Philips “Pompon / UFO” – – Blue Space Age Record Player – Original Box – 1970s - 22GF303/03X Record player

A highly distinctive Philips 22GF303/03X portable record player, serial number 135996, presented in the particularly attractive translucent blue and cream-white colour combination, complete with its original Philips carrying/storage box.
Produced during the early 1970s, the Philips 22GF303 is one of the most recognisable portable record players created by Philips during the Space Age era.
Its circular body, translucent coloured cover, centrally positioned loudspeaker and compact all-in-one construction give the player the unmistakable futuristic appearance associated with 1970s Space Age and Pop design.
The model is commonly known among collectors as the Philips “Pompon” / “UFO”.
The design is attributed to Patrice Dupont. The blue version is also illustrated on page 53 of the book Sound Design: Classic Audio & Hi-Fi Design, where the model is presented as an example of classic audio design and attributed to Patrice Dupont.
This particular example is especially appealing because it retains its original Philips carrying/storage box, including the period Philips graphic band.
Technical Features
The Philips 22GF303 is a self-contained portable record player incorporating its own amplifier and loudspeaker.
Main characteristics include:
Model: Philips 22GF303/03X
Serial Number: 135996
Period: Early 1970s, approximately 1972–1974
Design attributed to: Patrice Dupont
Speeds: 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM
Drive system: Idler-wheel drive
Built-in amplifier
Built-in loudspeaker
Portable all-in-one construction
Mains and battery operation
Power specification shown on the original label: 50 Hz / 5 W
Approximate dimensions: 30 × 30 × 12 cm
Approximate weight: around 2.4 kg without batteries
Colour: translucent blue / cream white
Style: Space Age / Pop / 1970s Industrial Design
Tested and Working
The record player has been tested and is functioning.
The actual unit offered in this auction was tested using different record formats and all three available speeds:
78 RPM – 10-inch record
45 RPM – 12-inch record
33⅓ RPM – 12-inch LP
The motor, platter rotation, tonearm, cartridge, amplifier and built-in loudspeaker were tested.
A video showing the actual record player offered in this auction operating at the different speeds can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/zAJuj4WGrzM
The video forms an integral part of the description and documents the operational condition of the record player at the time of listing.
Condition
The record player is offered in original vintage and pre-owned condition, with signs of age and use consistent with an object more than fifty years old.
The translucent blue cover remains extremely attractive and retains its strong visual impact. It shows surface scratches, small marks and normal signs of ageing, particularly visible under direct light.
The cream-coloured body, black deck and other plastic components also show normal age-related marks, surface wear and minor cosmetic imperfections.
The following specific points should be noted and are clearly documented in the detailed photographs:
One plastic locating/retaining pin of the 45 RPM adaptor holder is missing.
This concerns the storage/retaining system only and does not affect record playback.
The attachment area of the blue cover/lid has previously been repaired, as clearly visible in the close-up photographs. The lid remains attached and usable.
A small irregularity/imperfection in the plastic is visible around the base/pivot of the tonearm, as clearly documented in the close-up photographs.
Its exact origin is unknown, and it cannot be established whether this is an original manufacturing characteristic or an age-related imperfection.
It does not affect the normal movement or functioning of the tonearm.
The internal tension spring of the tonearm is present, as shown in the photographs.
There are general small scratches, marks, minor surface wear and other normal traces of age throughout the unit.
These points are deliberately shown in detailed photographs so that bidders can evaluate the actual condition accurately.
Original Philips Box
The record player comes with its original Philips carrying/storage box.
The box retains its characteristic period appearance and its original orange Philips graphic band, making it an important complement to the record player from a collecting and display perspective.
As expected for original packaging of this age, the box shows significant signs of storage and use, including surface wear, marks, ageing, adhesive/tape traces and cosmetic imperfections.
Its condition is clearly visible in the photographs.
Design Reference
The blue Philips 22GF303 is illustrated on page 53 of Sound Design: Classic Audio & Hi-Fi Design, with the design attributed to Patrice Dupont.
Reference images relating to the book, period advertising or historical material may be included among the auction photographs strictly for identification, historical reference and documentary purposes.
Such documentary images, advertisements, book pages or screenshots are not included in the sale.
Only the actual Philips record player, original box physically shown as belonging to the unit are included.
Seller Terms – Vintage Audio Equipment
This item is an original vintage audio product more than 50 years old and is offered in its current vintage, pre-owned condition.
Before listing, the item has been carefully inspected, cleaned where appropriate, tested and documented with detailed photographs and a video showing its actual functionality.
All functions specifically mentioned in the description have been tested.
The item will also be tested again before shipment as a final functional check.
The photographs and operating video form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the item at the time of listing.
The buyer is therefore kindly requested to examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up images showing age-related marks, imperfections, previous repairs and other relevant details.
As this is vintage audio equipment, normal characteristics associated with age and use may include:
minor mechanical noise
light electrical noise or contact noise
age-related marks
scratches
oxidation
ageing of plastics
minor surface imperfections
ageing of switches, wiring and electrical contacts
normal wear to mechanical components
These characteristics are consistent with the nature and age of vintage equipment and should not automatically be considered defects unless specifically described as such.
The record player is confirmed as tested and functioning at the time of listing.
Records used in photographs or during testing are not included, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The stylus, cartridge, idler wheel, rubber components and other mechanically wearing parts are vintage components. Although functioning at the time of testing, their future lifespan cannot be guaranteed.
The item will be professionally packed using appropriate protective materials.
Particular attention will be given to securing the tonearm, platter and other moving or delicate components.
Double-box packaging will be used where appropriate in order to provide additional protection during transport.
Shipping will be tracked.
The item will be handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented before dispatch.
The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the timeframe specified by the carrier.
In the event of non-collection, refusal of delivery or an incorrect/incomplete address, Catawiki’s applicable procedures and conditions will apply.
By placing a bid, the buyer confirms having carefully read the complete description, examined all photographs and, where provided, watched the operating video.