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Object Timeline

1961

  • Work on this object began.

1970

1986

  • We acquired this object.

2012

2015

2017

2026

T52-Q13 Radio

This is a radio. It was designed by Dieter Rams and manufactured by Braun AG and distributed by Claritone. It is dated 1961 and we acquired it in 1986. Its medium is plastic, metal, electronic components. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The first portable radio of its kind, the T 52 was designed to be used either in the home or on the go. Having the operational features on the top of the case meant the radio could be used in both an upright and a horizontal position. The handle, when not used for carrying the radio, folded down to become a stand, optimizing its design for a novel placement: on the dashboard of a car.

This object was donated by Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor. It is credited Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor.

Our curators have highlighted 2 objects that are related to this one.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 5.8 x 22.8 x 14.5 cm (2 5/16 x 9 x 5 11/16 in.)

It has the following markings

Inside battery compartment: T52-Q13

Cite this object as

T52-Q13 Radio; Designed by Dieter Rams (German, b. 1932); Manufactured by Braun AG (Germany); Distributed by Claritone; Germany; plastic, metal, electronic components; H x W x D: 5.8 x 22.8 x 14.5 cm (2 5/16 x 9 x 5 11/16 in.); Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor; 1986-99-23

In addition to Art of Noise, this object was previously on display as part of the exhibition The World of Radio.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-5.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18621833/ |title=T52-Q13 Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=14 February 2026 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>