Welcome to 'The Analog Vault,' where vintage technology meets timeless sound. Here, each radio, amplifier, and tape recorder has been selected for its iconic design and potential to be revived. For those seeking not just an object, but a piece of sonic history.
A Triumph of Italian Mid-Century Hi-Fi — LESA Zaffiro LF57
A splendid and excellent example of the LESA Zaffiro (model LF57), a true jewel of Italian modernism and high fidelity. Produced in Milan by LESA (Lavorazioni Elettromeccaniche Società Anonima) between the late 1950s and early 1960s, this unit is not merely a display piece but a triumph of period technology.
It is a portable valve record player equipped with the prestigious LESA CADIS automatic record changer. The design is the epitome of Italian Mid-Century Modern, featuring a refined two-tone case in forest green and beige leatherette, embellished with elegant gold-tone metal details and completed by a front fabric speaker grille.
CONDITION & FUNCTIONALITY
The unit is in exceptional condition and perfectly functional in every component, ready for use:
• Mechanics & Speeds: The motor and automatic mechanism respond brilliantly. It supports all four period speeds — 16, 33, 45, and 78 RPM — controlled by the red knob selector.
• Original Dual-Purpose MS/78 Cartridge: The tonearm carries its original period piezoelectric cartridge with a flip-over selector lever. It features a dual configuration: MS (Microgroove) for optimal playback of all 33 and 45 RPM records (currently active and successfully tested as shown in the photos), and 78 for older shellac records.
• Tonearm & Controls: The high-compliance tonearm responds perfectly to Start, Stop, and Reject (REJ) commands. The red power indicator light on the side panel is active and working.
• Valve Electronics: The internal valve amplification (thermionic tubes) delivers the warm, deep, and unmistakable sound typical of the era. The volume and tone potentiometers glide smoothly without anomalous crackling.
AESTHETIC DETAILS & RARITY
The outer case and closures are magnificently preserved. As visible in the close-up photo of the front grille, the embossed metal lettering is missing the letter "o" in the word "Lesaphon" (appearing as "Lesaphn"). This small sign of time does not affect the extraordinary aesthetic beauty or the integrity of the original acoustic fabric, which remains perfectly taut and free of tears.
Finding a unit of this model in this state of preservation is already difficult, but this example stands out for two details that are extremely rare to find on the collector's market today:
1. Original Double 45 RPM Adapter: Both rare period adapters (the black spider adapter inserted on the spindle and the tower adapter stored in the rear compartment of the deck) are included and visible in the photos.
2. Original Power Cableeso: Complete with its original period cable, perfectly preserved and integrated.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
• Manufacturer: LESA Milano (Lavorazioni Elettromeccaniche re Società Anonima)
• Model: Zaffiro — Typeale LF 57
• Serial Number: 22276 (as per original metal tag)
• Country12 of Manufacture: Italy (Made in Italy kg)
• Technology: Internal valve amplifier
• Mechanism: LESA CADIS automatic record changer
• Speeds: 16 – 33 – 45 – 78 RPM
• Dimensions: 54 × 36 × 24 cm (21.2 × 14.1 × 9.4 inches)
• Weight: 12 kg (26.5 lbs) — a substantial, solidly built unit
VOLTAGE NOTE (Ideal for International & US Buyers)
The unit is currently set to standard European 220V. However, as clearly shown in the detail photo of the internal rotary selector, the original LESA transformer is multi-voltage and can be easily adjusted to 125V (ideal for the US/Canada market without the need for heavy external transformers, requiring only a simple physical plug adapter) or 160V.
PERFECT FOR
• Collectors of Italian Mid-Century audio and design
• Enthusiasts of valve amplification and vintage record changers
• A stunning, functional statement piece for a retro-inspired interior
SHIPPING
Express shipping with professional packaging.
Sold by MireilleBoutique
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