Wilco Corallo “Suonafiabe” – December 1981 | Italian Pop...

An original WILCO CORALLO “Suonafiabe”, Made in Italy, dating to December 1981, presented in its iconic vibrant orange colour, complete with its original illustrated cardboard box and external power cable. A distinctive example of Italian vintage consumer electronics, combining the playful geometric design of the late Pop Art and Space Age era with the ingenious mechanical simplicity of the traditional Italian mangiadischi. The Corallo is particularly appealing for its sculptural plastic housing, compact proportions, characteristic front-loading mechanism and exceptionally expressive orange colour. This example has been tested and is fully operational, both with batteries and with its external power cable. DESIGN & AESTHETICS The Wilco Corallo features a distinctive low-profile, trapezoidal body constructed from moulded orange plastic, with softly rounded corners, sloping surfaces and clean geometric lines. Its characteristic silhouette is defined by a broad, almost rectangular upper surface that gently descends towards the front, giving the player a compact, streamlined appearance. The bright orange housing is complemented by black recessed controls, original blue-and-white graphics and a folding chrome-plated metal carrying handle. Distinctive design elements include: Original vibrant orange plastic housing, characteristic of Italian Pop design. Sculptural, low-profile trapezoidal construction with gently rounded edges. Large integrated loudspeaker grille formed by closely spaced parallel horizontal slats. Two deeply recessed black rotary control wheels for volume and tone. Original blue-and-white control graphics, marked VOLUME and TONO. Original WILCO logo with its characteristic stylised “W”. Large CORALLO lettering moulded directly into the front housing. Front-loading record slot integrated into the lower front section. Folding chrome-plated metal carrying handle, designed to sit neatly against the body when not in use. The combination of vivid colour, geometric proportions and functional detailing makes the Corallo a wonderful example of the period's approach to everyday industrial design. Its visual character is particularly suited to collections of Italian vintage electronics, Pop Art objects, Space Age accessories and decorative audio equipment. WILCO & THE HISTORY OF ITALIAN MANGIADISCHI The Wilco Corallo belongs to the fascinating history of Italian portable record players, commonly known as mangiadischi. These compact machines became especially popular in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s, offering a practical and entertaining alternative to conventional domestic turntables. Designed primarily for playing 7-inch vinyl records, mangiadischi were appreciated for their portability, ease of use and distinctive mechanical operation. Rather than placing a record onto an exposed turntable, the user inserted the disc into a front-loading slot, where the internal mechanism positioned it for playback. This unusual arrangement made the machines compact, convenient and immediately recognisable. Wilco was one of the names associated with this particular category of Italian consumer electronics, with models including the Corallo, Chicco and Pepito. The Corallo represents the continuation of this design tradition into the early 1980s, retaining the colourful aesthetic and mechanical ingenuity associated with the preceding decade. This particular example dates to December 1981, placing it within the final period of widespread popularity of traditional portable slot-loading record players. The accompanying original cardboard box, decorated with a charming illustration of a young listener and the words WILCO SUONAFIABE, is an additional period detail that reinforces its nostalgic character. The exact production facility has not been conclusively identified; therefore, no unsupported factory attribution is made. MECHANICAL & TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Corallo combines a mechanically operated record-playing system with a compact electronic amplifier and integrated loudspeaker. Technical features: Manufacturer / brand: WILCO Model: CORALLO – Suonafiabe Country of manufacture: Italy Production date: December 1981 Period: Early 1980s Style: Italian Pop / Space Age-inspired industrial design Housing: Moulded orange plastic Record format: 7-inch vinyl records Loading system: Front-loading slot Drive system: Belt-driven Internal speed adjustment: Adjustable trimmer Sound reproduction: Integrated loudspeaker Volume: Adjustable rotary control Tone: Adjustable rotary control Power supply: Batteries or external power cable Carrying handle: Folding chrome-plated metal construction The internal mechanism includes a belt-driven turntable, motor assembly, mechanical record-positioning components, amplifier circuitry and loudspeaker. The internal speed trimmer permits adjustment of the motor speed when technically necessary. FUNCTIONAL TEST – VIDEO DOCUMENTATION The record player has been tested and is fully operational. A detailed video demonstrating its operation is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/3OJuitbKQsc The video documents two different operating configurations: 1. Battery-powered operation The Wilco Corallo is shown operating using batteries, demonstrating the functionality of the record-playing mechanism and sound reproduction. Batteries are NOT included in the sale. 2. External power cable operation – Housing opened The second part of the video demonstrates operation using the external power cable, with the plastic housing opened to show the internal mechanical and electronic components while the machine is running. This allows the viewer to observe the working internal mechanism, including the belt-driven turntable and associated components. Additional functional checks: Record-playing mechanism: Working. Integrated loudspeaker: Working. Volume adjustment: Working, with sound level increasing and decreasing correctly. Tone adjustment: Working, with audible tone variation. Battery-powered operation: Tested and working. External power cable operation: Tested and working. The operating video forms an important part of the item's description and provides a direct demonstration of its functionality. IMPORTANT POWER SUPPLY INSTRUCTIONS The Wilco Corallo must be operated using either batteries OR the external power cable, never both simultaneously. When operating the record player with batteries, it is essential to respect the correct positive (+) and negative (−) polarity indications in the battery compartment. Incorrect battery installation may cause malfunction or damage to the electronic components. The internal speed adjustment trimmer should only be adjusted when necessary and by someone familiar with vintage electronic equipment. CONDITION Excellent overall vintage aesthetic condition, with no cracks or broken sections in the plastic housing. The original orange plastic retains its attractive colour and characteristic appearance. The body displays some minor surface marks, light scratches and normal cosmetic imperfections consistent with age, previous handling and use. These do not detract significantly from the overall presentation of the record player. The original WILCO logo, CORALLO lettering, volume and tone graphics and chrome-plated folding handle are preserved. The machine has been opened for internal inspection and functional testing, as documented in the photographs and video. The original illustrated cardboard box is included and shows age-related wear, marks and storage imperfections consistent with its vintage condition. Please carefully examine all photographs, including close-up images, as they form an integral part of the description and illustrate the exact cosmetic condition of the item. DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT Width: 37 cm Depth: 25 cm Height: 7.5 cm Weight: approximately 1.160 kg without batteries INCLUDED IN THE SALE Original WILCO CORALLO orange portable record player. Original illustrated WILCO “Suonafiabe” cardboard box. External power cable. Batteries are not included. No vinyl records are included. This is an original vintage electronic device dating from 1981, not a newly manufactured product. Although the unit has been tested and is functioning at the time of listing, vintage electronics may exhibit characteristics associated with ageing, including mechanical noise, minor vibrations, variations in sound reproduction and the normal tolerances of period components. The item is sold in the condition clearly documented by the photographs, video and written description. Minor cosmetic imperfections, surface marks and signs of previous use are consistent with its age and vintage nature. Functional Testing & Long-Term Reliability All stated functions have been tested before listing. However, due to the age of the electronic and mechanical components, continuous or indefinite future operation cannot be guaranteed. Original vintage equipment may require periodic maintenance, inspection or adjustment, particularly after transport or extended periods of inactivity. No claim is made that this device meets the performance or safety specifications of modern audio equipment. Power Supply & Correct Operation The buyer is responsible for using the device correctly and following the power supply instructions. Use batteries or the external power cable separately. Never use both power sources simultaneously. When installing batteries, always respect the indicated polarity. Incorrect operation, unsuitable power supplies, improper adjustment or unauthorised modifications may damage vintage electronic equipment. Photographs, Video & Description All photographs show the actual item offered for sale. The functional demonstration video provides additional information about its tested operating condition. By placing a bid, the buyer acknowledges having carefully reviewed all photographs, the functional demonstration video and the complete item description, including the disclosed cosmetic imperfections and operating instructions. Colours & Visual Representation Colours may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions, camera settings and individual screen calibration. Packaging & Shipping The Wilco Corallo will be carefully packed using protective materials, with particular attention to the original plastic housing, folding chrome-plated handle, original cardboard box. Please ensure that your shipping address and contact details are complete and accurate before shipment.

Estimate:£117.26

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