SONY TR-78 Transistor Radio Prototype / Sales Sample - Marked "Sample Only"

Radio acquired from the family of an employee of Agrod in New York

Ref: RA234

Sony TR-78 Transistor Radio rare sales sample or prototype model.  Radio acquired from the family of an employee of the Agrod Company in New York who was the exclusive U.S. importer for all Sony radio + microphone products starting in 1957. 

This TR-78 was shipped to Agrod by Sony as a sales sample of a radio that was being considered for the US market - this model radio was never made available as far as we can tell.  We have looked + have been unable to find reference to this model on Sony collectors websites and else where.

This rare radio is faintly marked on the rear "Sample Only" and "Property of...".  Cabinet is ivory plastic that is factory painted a pink/rose color - most all plastics that are molded the dye is introduced into the melted plastic and blended during the molding process the color is throughout the plastic this cabinet was painted, further identifying it as a sample or prototype. Radio retains original tag on the back stating model # as TR-78 - Seven Transistor All Wave that is somewhat faded but can still be read.  Radio does have some damage + wear as seen in photos, one grill bar is cracked. Chassis seems complete except for the lack of speaker.  All parts on radio seem original and correct.

Measures approximately: 13" wide by 5" high by 3.75" deep.  This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis seems complete. Set is being sold as a "non-working" vintage electronic device that should be gone over by a qualified technician.