Europhon H20 radio clock, designed by Adriano Rampoldi for Europhon Milano around 1970. The H20 belongs to the celebrated family of hybrid domestic objects created by Europhon during one of the most inventive periods of Italian industrial design, when everyday appliances were increasingly conceived not simply as technical equipment, but as colourful sculptural objects for the modern home. The H20 combines a large-format clock and transistor radio within a single strongly architectural plastic body. This example is particularly attractive in its vivid orange/red colourway, contrasted by the black radio control panel, white graphics and large dark circular clock dial. The design is unmistakably late-1960s/early-1970s Italian Space Age: rounded corners, a low wedge-shaped profile, oversized circular geometry and a graphic treatment which makes the radio look almost like a small piece of futuristic furniture. One of the most ingenious elements of Rampoldi's design is its dual orientation. The H20 can be: placed horizontally on a table, desk, shelf or bedside unit, with the clock facing upward; or positioned vertically / hung on the wall, turning the same object into a large wall-mounted radio clock. This was not merely an aesthetic idea. The clock mechanism is able to operate correctly in both orientations. The clock fitted to this example uses a Kienzle Made in Germany floating-balance movement. Unlike many traditional balance-wheel clocks whose operation can be affected by orientation, this example continues to run correctly both when the H20 is lying horizontally and when it is positioned vertically. This is a particularly interesting technical detail and illustrates how carefully the mechanical function was integrated into Rampoldi's transformable design concept. Radio The radio is tested and working. It powers on correctly and the volume remains strong and powerful. The H20 uses the traditional European bands marked on the front panel: PO – Medium Wave / MW GO – Long Wave / LW The radio has been tested successfully using batteries and also with a 9V power adaptor. Please note that reception of historical AM/LW stations naturally depends on location and on the availability of broadcasts in these bands today. Clock The clock is working and has been tested. It is fitted with a Kienzle Made in Germany floating-balance mechanism and operates independently from the radio. The large circular dial, cream-coloured hands, red seconds hand and bold white hour markers form one of the strongest visual elements of the design. Condition The piece is in good vintage condition. It shows normal signs of age and use consistent with an original object approximately five decades old, including light surface marks and scratches visible under close inspection. There are no cracks or major breaks to the body. The plastic casing retains a very strong and attractive colour, while the control panel, knobs, radio scale and speaker grille remain visually well preserved. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately show the condition of the item. Technical information Designer: Adriano Rampoldi Manufacturer: Europhon, Milano Model: H20 Country: Italy Period: circa 1970 Material: moulded plastic / metal / electronic components Radio principle: transistor superheterodyne Bands: MW / PO and LW / GO Clock movement: Kienzle Made in Germany floating balance Approximate dimensions: 31 × 23 × 9 cm Approximate weight: 2 kg The H20 was specifically conceived to be used either horizontally or vertically. Radiomuseum also documents the model as a table radio clock that could be placed flat or hung on the wall. Power supply The clock and radio have separate power supplies. The radio has been tested with batteries and with a 9V external transformer/adaptor. Batteries and 9V adaptor are NOT included in the lot. Historical and design context Europhon was one of the Italian manufacturers that particularly embraced the idea of combining electronics with domestic design. During this period the company produced a number of unusual hybrid objects, including radio-clocks and radio-lamps, with Adriano Rampoldi responsible for the H10, H20 and H30 radio-clock series. Rather than hiding the technology, the H20 makes it part of the visual composition: the enormous clock face dominates one plane, while the radio controls and tuning scale occupy another. Changing the orientation completely alters the visual character of the object without changing its function. Today this makes the H20 an especially appealing piece for collectors of Italian Space Age design, 1970s electronics, vintage radios and sculptural plastic objects. The item has been tested immediately before listing and its operating condition is described above. Please remember that this is an original vintage electronic and mechanical object approximately 50 years old. Although tested and working before shipment, vintage electronics and mechanical mechanisms can be sensitive to transport, temperature changes and handling, and no guarantee can therefore be given regarding future performance. The item will be professionally packed using suitable protective materials and double-boxed where appropriate. The condition of the item is photographically documented before dispatch. Shipping will be tracked. The buyer is responsible for providing a correct and complete delivery address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier's specified timeframe when delivery to a service point or collection location is required. Any accessories, batteries or power supplies not specifically stated as included are not part of the lot.