Dawn Burnt Orange Telephone– Northern Telecom – circa 1970’s
Telephones once sat in one place, were wired there so you didn’t misplace it, and actually dialed with a rotary dial. While most telephones were primarily untilitarian in nature, design trends influenced the look. There was the standard Western Electric Model 500 units, which was in many households, great sculptural phones were available in mid-20th Century America to accent the modern decor of the time.
Ivory Ericofon– L.M. Ericsson Company – Sweden – 1959
The quintessential mid-century telephone was the Ericofon made by the L.M. Ericson Company in Sweden. This iconic phone was unique in style and in the way it functioned with the rotary dial and “hanger” on the bottom. I remember first seeing this phone in early James Bond films.
Ericofon Bottom Dialer– L.M. Ericsson Company – Sweden – 1959
Telephones are often the forgotten area of good interior design for the home. For someone striving for a true vintage mid-century modern look a vintage phone is a necessity.
Vintage phones make unique and greatly appreciated Holiday gifts which will be put to use daily. Available at vintage shops, antique malls and through online sources like Ebay you can generally pick up a great phone in working order for between $75 – $150.
Make certain the phone works and has no damage or cracks to the body. Often found with the old 4-prong plugs a simply adapter will easily convert a phone for modular jack use.
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