Beocord 5500: dark finish, label positions and prototype reference

[Paweł Różański]

Hi everyone,

Could anyone help identify the history of my Beocord 5500, Type 4931, serial number 04177386? It has a dark grey/black top cover and lower front panel. I have attached photographs of the finish and both identification labels.

The small cream label is on the side of the chassis, underneath the removable cover. It reads “S”, “TYPE: 4931” and “SERIAL NO 04177386” (photo 2). The long Bang & Olufsen identification label is attached inside the removable top cover (photo 3). There is no corresponding long identification label on the outside rear panel; the electrical ratings are still present (partial rear view in photo 6).

I found a relevant post by Søren Hammer in the archived BeoWorld thread “Best B&O system”, dated 2 January 2012. Discussing the 5500 system, he wrote that “a special painted grey/black finish was made as a prototype” and added: “I know a Danish B&O collector who owns one”.

Original discussion: https://archivedforum.beoworld.org/forums/t/42547.aspx

I would like to follow up on that reference. It concerns the 5500 system generally, so it does not establish that my particular Beocord is one of those units.

1. Did ordinary production Beocord 5500s have the small type/serial label in this position on the side of the chassis?

2. Was the long B&O label ever factory-fitted inside the top cover, or would it normally be on the rear? Does anyone have photographs of these exact areas on another 5500?

3. Does anyone know the Danish collector mentioned by Søren Hammer, or have photographs or documentation of the reported grey/black prototype finish? Was a Beocord included in that set?

4. Are there specific finish details, serial-number records or other markings that could distinguish a factory example from a later repaint?

Any first-hand information or comparison photographs would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Photographs (photos 1–4 are attached below; photos 5–6 will follow in my next reply):
Photo 1. Overall view: dark top cover and lower front panel.
Photo 2. Small label on the side of the chassis, beneath the removable cover: S, TYPE 4931, SERIAL NO 04177386.
Photo 3. Inside the detached top cover, showing the long Bang & Olufsen identification label. The serial-number area is worn.
Photo 4. Drawer open, showing the control panel, silver-coloured trim and dark exterior panels.
Photo 5. Close-up of the front finish, including scratches and chips.
Photo 6. Partial rear view showing the separate 220V, 50–60Hz, 25W electrical markings. This photograph does not show the entire rear panel.

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[Paweł Różański]

Here are the remaining two photographs, as the attachment form allows four files per post.

Photo 5. Close-up of the dark front finish, including scratches and chips.

Photo 6. Partial rear view showing the separate 220V, 50–60Hz, 25W electrical markings. This photograph does not show the entire rear panel.

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