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Object Timeline

-0001

1963

  • Work on this object began.

1986

  • We acquired this object.

2013

2014

2015

2025

  • You found it!

SK 55 Radio-Phonograph Radio-phonograph

This is a radio-phonograph. It was designed by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot and manufactured by Braun AG. It is dated 1963 and we acquired it in 1986. Its medium is metal, plastic, ash wood. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The clear plexiglass lid of this phonograph/radio earned it the nickname "Snow White's Coffin" The design was an innovative concept when it was introducted and radically influenced the hi-fi industry. (Design for Life, 1997-98)

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled An Apple Inspiration.

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

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  • Tischsuper Radio
  • metal, beech wood, plastic, electronic components.
  • Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor.
  • 1986-99-11

Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 24 x 58.5 x 29cm (9 7/16 x 23 1/16 x 11 7/16in.)

Cite this object as

SK 55 Radio-Phonograph Radio-phonograph; Designed by Dieter Rams (German, b. 1932), Hans Gugelot (1920 – 1965); Manufactured by Braun AG (Germany); Germany; metal, plastic, ash wood; H x W x D: 24 x 58.5 x 29cm (9 7/16 x 23 1/16 x 11 7/16in.); Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor; 1986-99-6

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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-3.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18621887/ |title=SK 55 Radio-Phonograph Radio-phonograph |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 July 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>