This very abundant model can be found in about every antique store or market in the world, it seems. And although there are many still around and many people have questions about them, there is very little information about them. In any case, I could find very little hard information on them. What I could find, I found mostly on Danish websites, which I could read with the help of google translate.
The design of this telephone is based on an Ericsson model, which is not specified. Undoubtedly it is the AC400 or one of its predecessors, which have the same configuration: small pedestal with terminals and bells, rectangular box with generator and hookswitch, antler type cradle design combined with classic Ericsson handset, usually with speaking tube.
It was in use with several Danish telephone companies, like KTAS, Fyns and of course JYDSK. It was still in widespread use well into the 1960s.
1935 Version
This newer version has a standard Danish bakelite handset, which was also retrofitted on a lot of the 1914 versions, and a different cradle. The newer one was a Zamac casting, painted black, whereas the older one was a nickel plated brass antler type cradle.
Also the newer version has a red button on the top of the upper housing, where the older version had a black button. This button was similar to a flash button, which could be found on North American push button telephones from the late 60s and 70s.
Many of both versions have been converted to automatic telephony by fitting it with a dial.
On the antiques market today
After their service life with the various Danish telephone companies, many of them ended up on the antiques market, albeit in various stages of decay. Some are pristine, others rusty and incomplete.
Also many have been modified, repainted, decorated and pimped, some almost beyond recognition.
The epitome of this is a white painted version, where most of the sheet metal covering is removed, the magneto painted as well, brass detailing is added and a date from the late 1800s is printed on it. This model is often thought to be some kind of Victorian relic.
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