Telephone [Ericofon]
Maker and role
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Manufacturer
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2022.53
Production period
Description
Ericofon Telephone.
Green, one piece Ericofon or 'Cobra' telephone made from plastic. The phone combines all the standard elements of a telephone into one. The Ericofon stands uprights on a large base which has a series of small holes arranged in a circular shape cut into it to indicate the mouthpiece. A black rubber rim borders the base of the phone, raising it so that the underside of the base is not damaged. On the bottom of the base, a black dial with a large circular red button in its centre has been set into the phone. Around it, the numbers 1-9 and 0 have been printed in black starting at the front and going anti-clockwise. "Ericsson / LM / MADE IN SWEDEN" is embossed onto the face of the dial. Under the dial, "C / ABD / EFG / HIK / LMN / OPR / STU / VXY /AE 0 / ." is printed and can be seen through the holes cut in the dial. Protruding upwards from the base of the phone, is the body of the handset which widens to form the earpiece. At the back of the base, there is a grey power coil style cord with three flat prongs on its socket "T" is embossed.
The telephone is not wired for use in New Zealand.
Green, one piece Ericofon or 'Cobra' telephone made from plastic. The phone combines all the standard elements of a telephone into one. The Ericofon stands uprights on a large base which has a series of small holes arranged in a circular shape cut into it to indicate the mouthpiece. A black rubber rim borders the base of the phone, raising it so that the underside of the base is not damaged. On the bottom of the base, a black dial with a large circular red button in its centre has been set into the phone. Around it, the numbers 1-9 and 0 have been printed in black starting at the front and going anti-clockwise. "Ericsson / LM / MADE IN SWEDEN" is embossed onto the face of the dial. Under the dial, "C / ABD / EFG / HIK / LMN / OPR / STU / VXY /AE 0 / ." is printed and can be seen through the holes cut in the dial. Protruding upwards from the base of the phone, is the body of the handset which widens to form the earpiece. At the back of the base, there is a grey power coil style cord with three flat prongs on its socket "T" is embossed.
The telephone is not wired for use in New Zealand.
Brief History
The Ericofon or ‘Cobra’ one piece phone was designed in the 1940s by Swedish telecommunication company Ericsson; this example likely dates to the 1960s.
The telephone incorporates all elements of a standard telephone; earpiece, mouthpiece, dial, into one unit. It was the first commercially successful telephone with handle and dial in one unit, and represents a development in telephone technology which connects with the later incorporation of all three elements into mobile phones.
The telephone incorporates all elements of a standard telephone; earpiece, mouthpiece, dial, into one unit. It was the first commercially successful telephone with handle and dial in one unit, and represents a development in telephone technology which connects with the later incorporation of all three elements into mobile phones.
Marks
Ericsson / LM / MADE IN SWEDEN Embossed
C / ABD / EFG / HIK / LMN / OPR / STU / VXY /AE 0 / . Printed
T Embossed
C / ABD / EFG / HIK / LMN / OPR / STU / VXY /AE 0 / . Printed
T Embossed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Telephone [Ericofon], 2022.53. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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