Ericofon telephone - new case model

Side view of a phone showing the cobra hood earpiece. Side view of a phone showing the single piece body and receiver. Rear view of a phone showing the glossy surface. Rear view of a phone showing the glossy surface. Top view of a phone showing the glossy surface. Underside view of a phone showing the dial.
Side view of a phone showing the cobra hood earpiece. Side view of a phone showing the single piece body and receiver. Rear view of a phone showing the glossy surface. Rear view of a phone showing the glossy surface. Top view of a phone showing the glossy surface. Underside view of a phone showing the dial.

Description

This cobra-shaped, Ericofon telephone was developed by Ericsson through the 1940s-1950s. It stands upright on its base and has a one piece design with the ear piece at the top and the dial located under the base. Production of the first model released, the 600, began in 1954, first to Swedish institutions such as hospitals, but within two years to the open market throughout Europe and Australia. North Electric in Ohio manufactured the phone for the American independent market. It was injection moulded in two pieces as mirrored halves that were then glued together (see AIBDC : 008464). This example is the new case version, initially redesigned in 1958 to enable it to be moulded in one piece, resulting in the neck becoming shorter and more pronounced. Soon afterwards it began to be known as the 'cobra' phone for its resemblance to the snake. A third model, the 700, was released in 1976 (see AIBDC : 008473). The Ericofon 600 was brought to the British market in 1978 when it was adopted into the Post Office's 'Special Range' of designer telephones in only the orange or ivory colours whereas 18 different colours had been initially marketed within the US and 5 throughout the rest of Europe. Production ceased in 1984 (1974 in the US).
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Organisation)
Manufacturer

Inscriptions

moulded: "L M Ericsson. Made in Sweden" (base)

Object number

AIBDC : 005804

Date

1964 - 1984

Country

Dimensions
Width
100mm
Height
210mm
Depth
110mm

Colour