Ericofon Cobra Phone Value Guide

Vintage Ericofon Cobra BEIGE Rotary Dial Telephone North ...
Ericofon Cobra Phone
Estimated Value
$160 – $160
Period
1954-1980
Origin
Sweden
Materials
Plastic, metal

The Ericofon, famously dubbed the 'Cobra phone,' is a Swedish design marvel that revolutionized telecommunications by integrating the dial and handset into a single plastic unit. Its sleek, minimalist silhouette earned it a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art and remains a quintessential symbol of Space Age aesthetics.

What Is Ericofon Cobra Phone Worth?

The typical price range for Ericofon Cobra Phone is $160 - $160 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Functional condition of the internal rotary mechanism and the ability to receive or place calls on modern lines.
  • The presence of the original 'gasket' or rubber rim around the base, which often degrades over time.
  • Physical condition of the plastic shell, specifically looking for the absence of cracks, sun-fading, or deep scratches.
  • Color rarity, as while beige is classic, certain vibrant hues from the 1950s production run can command higher premiums.

How to Identify Ericofon Cobra Phone?

  • Verify the rotary dial is located on the underside of the base, a signature feature of the 1954-1980 production era.
  • Look for the 'Ericsson' or 'North Electric' branding molded into the plastic or printed on the base plate.
  • Check for the distinctive 'stand-up' design where the phone rests on a large button that disconnects the line when placed down.
  • Confirm the material is a high-gloss thermoplastic, typically found in the classic beige colorway for this specific model.

History of Ericofon Cobra Phone

The Ericofon, known as the 'Cobra phone' due to its distinctive shape, was designed by Ericsson in Sweden in the late 1940s and mass-produced from 1954 to 1980. It was one of the first commercially produced telephones to incorporate the dial and handset into a single unit, a revolutionary design at the time. Its sleek, minimalist form earned it a place in the Museum of Modern Art's collection and made it a symbol of Space Age design.

Shop Similar

Related Items

Have an antique to identify?

Get an instant AI appraisal with values, history, and market insights.

Download for iPhone