DBJ 500, DBJ 501, DBJ 502 and DBJ 503
Called the Ericofon, this telephone was launched by the L M Ericsson Company in 1954 as a convenient, all-in-one telephone.  It was designed by Ralph Lysell and Gosta Thames.

Most of the production took place in Karlskrona, Sweden and more than 2.5 million were produced between 1956 and 1962.

Sometimes nicknamed "The Cobra".

The casing consists of moulded ABS plastic parts glued together and sanded at the seam.

It could be supplied in 18 colours.

Introduced into the USA in 1960.

They can be fitted with an AC ringer, a buzzer or no audible device.

The DBJ 500 and DBJ 501 are used on CB systems and have no dial fitted.  The main difference between the models is the transmitter resistance: the DBJ 500 and 502 are 200ohms and the DBJ 501 and 503 are 100ohms.  The 200ohms transmitter was used on 24 volt systems whilst the 100ohm transmitters were used on 50 volt systems.

The telephone model numbers are made up in the following manner:-
DBJ XXX YY ZZ AA where XXX is the model number, YYY is the signalling type and cord, ZZ is the dial numbering and AA the body colour. Click here for a list of the codes and differences

See also DBJ 510, 520, 511, 512, 521 & 522.

Ericofon main page
 

This example has a perished rubber foot

Last revised: November 24, 2025