Ericofon Cobra Telephone Value Guide

The Ericofon, famously known as the 'Cobra phone,' is a landmark of mid-century industrial design created by Ericsson in Sweden. It revolutionized telecommunications as one of the first single-unit handsets to integrate the dial into the base, earning it a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art.

What affects the value of Ericofon Cobra Telephone?

• Color rarity significantly impacts price, with vibrant or unusual shades typically fetching more than standard white or beige.
• Physical condition is vital, as the plastic is prone to 'flea bites,' cracks, or heavy scuffing that reduces the $100-$150 value.
• The presence of original wiring and whether the unit has been converted for modern RJ11 phone jacks affects desirability.
• The specific production era, with early 1950s Swedish models often being more sought after than later North American licensed versions.

How to Identify Ericofon Cobra Telephone?

• Look for the unique one-piece sculptural form where the rotary or push-button dial is located on the underside of the base.
• Check for the 'Ericsson' manufacturer mark or 'Made in Sweden' stamps on the bottom plate to confirm European origin.
• Examine the plastic casing for the seamless, snake-like silhouette that gives the 'Cobra' its distinctive name.
• Verify the presence of the large 'stand-up' button in the center of the dial which disconnects the call when the phone is set down.

History of Ericofon Cobra Telephone

The Ericofon, often called the 'Cobra phone' due to its resemblance to a cobra preparing to strike, was designed in the late 1940s by Ericsson in Sweden. It was one of the first commercially produced telephones to combine the handset and dial into a single unit, revolutionizing telephone design. Its innovative form and function made it a significant piece of mid-century industrial design and it is included in the Museum of Modern Art's collection.