This model is identical to the Ericsson type 1951. Basically type 1951 is the designation Dutch PTT used for this phone, that Ericsson Holland called 11420. Ericsson Holland made them in very small numbers, that were not supplied to PTT.
I decided to write a separate article about this model, because there are a few very special versions of this phone around. People researching this model number will be able to find out more about it. Furthermore I think because these versions are so very rare, they deserve special attention.
Aside from the 11420, Ericsson did have another model for the private market. That model shared the same body shell, but had a different handset, ringer and internal lay out of components.
Small exterior differences
Even though virtually the same, there are some very small differences. Inside the type 1951 and the non PTT 11420 are exactly the same. Same electronics, same parts, same wires, and even the capacitors have a PTT-logo on them. However, the lay-out and printing of the wiring diagram are different. (PICS)
I am not sure if this is the case for all 11420s. Only one of the 3 I ever opened still had the diagram in it.
The most conspicuous differences are on the outside. The number card window is not present and there are no holes for one either.
And the PTT logo on top of the body shell is replaced by an Ericsson Holland logo.
Commemorative version
The very first version I ever layed my hands on was one that was donated to an employee of Ericsson Rijen by the management for his or hers 28 years of members of the works council. This white version had a small sign at the front and, strangely, a small clip that held the handset in place. Clips like these are often seen on ship board telephones, but I am not sure why it was put on this telephone. The sign reads:
als dank voor 28 jaar lidmaatschap ondernemingsraad
directie Ericsson Telecommunicatie B.V.
(as a thank you for 28 year membership of work council, management Ericsson Telecommunications ltd).
Colours
Very rare indeed are the coloured versions. I have a red one in my collection and I have a grey one at the time of writing this article. I have also seen a blue one in somebody else’s collection.
A friend of mine has e light blue one, probably the same shade as mentioned above and an orange one.
White ones may be a bit more common, as they made white versions for PTT anyway.
Coloured phones like these were made for marketing and promotional purposes. They were given as promotional gifts or used for displays and exhibitions.
Those that I have seen had very little wear and tear, for some reason. My red specimen however had at one time its cords replace by ill fitting 5 lead cords. I have replaced them with used, original black cords. They are a bit faded, so if I find better ones, I will put those on.
Only very few coloured 11420s were made and they are highly sought after by collectors.