MIVAR R52 — Orange & Cream Italian Pop / Space Age Radio...

A vivid orange cabinet, a finely textured cream front and a beautifully illuminated analogue dial define this Mivar R52: a compact example of Italian domestic design with a distinctive presence both by day and after dark. Its rectangular form is organised around strong horizontal lines. The broad slatted speaker grille occupies the left side, balanced on the right by an elongated silver-grey tuning window displaying frequencies and the names of European broadcasting stations. Fine horizontal ribbing, slim silver-tone edging and the lowercase Mivar badge bring detail to the otherwise simple geometric composition. Two black rotary knobs with silver-tone centres control volume and tuning, with a sliding AM/FM selector positioned between them. The contrast between the orange casing, cream/ivory front and metallic accents gives the radio the expressive Pop / Space Age character associated with early-1970s interiors. BEAUTIFUL IN DAYLIGHT — ATMOSPHERIC AFTER DARK The appeal of this radio extends beyond its appearance in natural light. When switched on in a darkened room, the tuning scale glows with warm amber light. Two luminous horizontal bands frame the small illuminated station markers, creating an almost architectural pattern across the front. As the photographs show, light also escapes through the rear ventilation slots, casting repeated bands of light and shadow onto the nearby wall. The orange cabinet takes on deeper reddish tones, while its surfaces catch warm reflections. This interplay of colour, illumination and geometric shadows gives the radio a particularly atmospheric presence. The appearance and intensity of these effects depend on its distance from the wall, surrounding light and viewing angle. MIVAR — ITALIAN RADIO HERITAGE Mivar’s story began in Milan in 1945, when Carlo Vichi founded VAR — Vichi Apparecchi Radio. Following its early radio production and expansion into electronic components, the company returned to complete radio receivers in 1956 under the Mivar name, adding “MI” for Milano to VAR. The company subsequently expanded into television manufacturing and developed its production facilities in Abbiategrasso, near Milan. The R52 belongs to this history of Italian domestic electronics, combining practical engineering with the colours, materials and proportions of its period. DATING THIS EXAMPLE The transformer and loudspeaker carry matching “9-73” markings, consistent with September 1973. Assuming these components are original, these markings support dating this particular example to approximately 1973. They refer to the components in this radio rather than establishing the introduction date of the R52 model. ANALOGUE TUNING — HOW IT WORKS The internal photographs show the air-variable tuning capacitor, with its carefully spaced banks of metal plates. Turning the tuning knob rotates the moving plates between the fixed plates without them touching. The changing overlap alters the electrical capacitance and, together with the coils in the tuning circuit, changes the frequency selected by the receiver. This is continuous mechanical tuning. The knob should therefore be turned slowly, using small adjustments to find the clearest point of each station. Moving it too quickly can pass over a station or leave the receiver slightly off-frequency, resulting in weaker or less clear sound. The internal ferrite rod serves as the AM antenna; its orientation affects reception. FM reception also depends on antenna positioning and local signal conditions. WORKING CONDITION & VIDEO The radio is working, and the tuning-scale illumination operates. During testing, a limited number of stations were received. Some crackling or distortion is noticeable at low volume, with clearer sound when the volume is increased. These observations are disclosed so that its present performance can be assessed accurately. Reception varies with location, available broadcasts, antenna position and interference from nearby electronic equipment. This is a vintage analogue receiver, and its performance should be assessed with its age and the observations above in mind. A video demonstrating operation is available here: https://youtu.be/8rqloypa0Hs?si=zKjV6CKGqFH0idTi Please review the video together with all photographs and the description. SPECIFICATIONS • Manufacturer: Mivar • Model: R52 • Country: Italy • Approximate date of this example: 1973 • Type: Transistor AM/FM tabletop radio • Sound: Mono, built-in loudspeaker • Tuning: Manual analogue tuning with air-variable capacitor • Display: Illuminated tuning scale • Controls: Volume, tuning and AM/FM selector • Power supply: Mains-operated • Cabinet: Orange plastic casing with cream/ivory front • Details: Silver-tone trim and black knobs with silver-tone centres • Width: 31 cm • Height: 14 cm • Depth: 11 cm • Weight: 1.66 kg COSMETIC CONDITION Vintage condition, with no cracks or broken sections. Surface marks, signs of handling and age-related wear to the finish are present. Please inspect the detailed photographs, which document the cabinet, front, controls and internal construction. The daylight and night photographs show how its appearance changes under different lighting conditions. This is a pre-owned vintage electronic item. Its condition and tested functions are described above; a working demonstration does not imply that every component has been renewed or that the radio has undergone a complete electronic restoration. Ageing components, including capacitors, switches and potentiometers, may require maintenance or adjustment in the future. The specific reception and low-volume audio limitations observed during testing are disclosed in this listing. Reception depends on local broadcasting conditions, antenna positioning and electrical interference. The station names printed on the dial are historical markings and do not guarantee that those stations can still be received. Dial bulbs are consumable components and may require future replacement. Operate the radio only with a supply compatible with its marked electrical rating, keep ventilation openings unobstructed and have internal servicing performed by a qualified technician. The item will be retested before dispatch, with its condition and operation documented. It will be carefully protected. The buyer is responsible for providing a complete, correct delivery address and collecting the parcel within the carrier’s stated timeframe. Delivery issues involving incorrect addresses, refused parcels or non-collection will be handled according to the applicable platform rules. By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges having reviewed all photographs, the video and the full description, including the stated condition and operating limitations.

Estimate:$1.12

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