LESA- LABORATORI ELETTROTECNICI SOCIETA' ANONIMA - MADY- 2/A Record player - Multiple models

I present in an iconic auction a vintage portable turntable/phonograph for collection and design by the brand “LESA” Mady 2 with serial number 2294414, model manufactured in 1968 and sold on 01/04/1972 as handwritten in the original user manual, still in excellent condition. The turntable was designed to operate both on 12 V battery power and with the AL 9 mains adapter which I include in the lot, while the batteries are missing as is the original box.

The phonograph was produced in Milan from a design by designer Giuseppe De Goetzen for “LESA” — acronym of “LABORATORI ELETTROTECNICI SOCIETA' ANONIMA” active from 1929 to 1972, the year in which the object was acquired, and it was designed for front-loading of vinyl records at 45 and 33 rpm. On the front are visible the speed selector, the disk eject button, and the knob for volume adjustment.

The design features a prairie-green and white plastic body with rounded edges and a metal carrying handle to facilitate transport. The design and realization concept make it appealing to vintage and mid-century modern enthusiasts: vintage because it is an iconic object symbolizing the 60s and 70s and the spread of portable music, and mid-century modern because it was made with materials that were innovative at the time, intended for furniture and everyday use.

The item is functional, tested by “Elettronica Sarre” and has the following dimensions: Length 28 cm plus the side protrusions of the handle, width about 24 cm, height 11 cm plus the projection of the retractable handle. I will accompany the turntable with a romantic era 45 rpm single whose cover bears the handwritten date “15/04/1942” and receipts issued at the revision and testing center. The 45 rpm record cover has defects but is still legible and able to protect the vinyl. I recommend consulting the photo gallery for a proper impression of the lot, which I will pack carefully and ship insured with a reliable courier.