Bush - TR130 (1965) Transistor radio

07
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Starting bid
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No reserve price
Matthew McIvor
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Bush TR130 portable transistor radio, model TR130 (1965), in excellent physical condition and tested and working, weighing about 1.9 kg and measuring 17 x 23 x 8 cm.

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Description from the seller

Bush TR130 Portable Transistor Radio – British Design Icon, 1965
From the Collection of a Radio Shop Owner
In excellent, near mint, tested and working condition – No reserve.

A highly collectible Bush TR130 portable transistor radio, one of the most successful and recognizable British radio designs of the 1960s. Manufactured by Rank Bush Murphy in the United Kingdom from 1965 onwards, the TR130 became a household favorite thanks to its excellent reception, robust construction, and distinctive modernist styling.

Featuring its original black rexine leather-covered cabinet, elegant cream speaker grille, chrome accents, and integrated carrying handle, this model perfectly captures the spirit of mid-century British industrial design. The clean lines and functional aesthetics have earned the TR130 a place among the most iconic portable radios of its era.

This example comes from the collection of a radio shop owner, reflecting its provenance within a specialist radio collection.

The radio retains its original internal chassis, visible through the removable top panel. It operates using a PP9 9-volt battery connection, present inside the unit. The tuning scale displays numerous European broadcasting stations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of radio broadcasting.

Historical Context
Introduced during the rapid expansion of transistor technology, the Bush TR130 represented a major shift away from heavy valve radios. Its combination of portability, reliability, and attractive design made it one of Britain's best-selling portable radios of the late 1960s and an enduring favorite among collectors of vintage electronics and industrial design.

Condition
This rare design radio is in an excellent near mint condition. The cabinet, grille, handle, dial assembly, and internal components remain in appealing condition.
The radio has been inspected visually. Tested and working.

Dimensions
Approx. 17 x 23 x 8 cm (h x w x d)
WeightApprox. 1.9 kg

A sought-after British transistor radio and an excellent addition to any collection of vintage electronics, mid-century design, industrial design objects, or broadcasting memorabilia.

Seller's Story

We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers. Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

Bush TR130 Portable Transistor Radio – British Design Icon, 1965
From the Collection of a Radio Shop Owner
In excellent, near mint, tested and working condition – No reserve.

A highly collectible Bush TR130 portable transistor radio, one of the most successful and recognizable British radio designs of the 1960s. Manufactured by Rank Bush Murphy in the United Kingdom from 1965 onwards, the TR130 became a household favorite thanks to its excellent reception, robust construction, and distinctive modernist styling.

Featuring its original black rexine leather-covered cabinet, elegant cream speaker grille, chrome accents, and integrated carrying handle, this model perfectly captures the spirit of mid-century British industrial design. The clean lines and functional aesthetics have earned the TR130 a place among the most iconic portable radios of its era.

This example comes from the collection of a radio shop owner, reflecting its provenance within a specialist radio collection.

The radio retains its original internal chassis, visible through the removable top panel. It operates using a PP9 9-volt battery connection, present inside the unit. The tuning scale displays numerous European broadcasting stations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of radio broadcasting.

Historical Context
Introduced during the rapid expansion of transistor technology, the Bush TR130 represented a major shift away from heavy valve radios. Its combination of portability, reliability, and attractive design made it one of Britain's best-selling portable radios of the late 1960s and an enduring favorite among collectors of vintage electronics and industrial design.

Condition
This rare design radio is in an excellent near mint condition. The cabinet, grille, handle, dial assembly, and internal components remain in appealing condition.
The radio has been inspected visually. Tested and working.

Dimensions
Approx. 17 x 23 x 8 cm (h x w x d)
WeightApprox. 1.9 kg

A sought-after British transistor radio and an excellent addition to any collection of vintage electronics, mid-century design, industrial design objects, or broadcasting memorabilia.

Seller's Story

We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers. Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Bush
Model
TR130 (1965)
Physical condition
Excellent
Number of objects
1
Includes
No extra's
Year of manufacture
1965
Weight
1.9 kg
Functional condition
Tested and working/playable
Height
17 cm
Width
23 cm
Depth
8 cm
The NetherlandsVerified
2246
Objects sold
99.72%
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