Silvertone Phonograph

[JamesJW]

Okay, I have found a Silvertone tabletop in my local antiques store at a modest price. $100. All I know about them is they were either a Sears brand or a seperate company that Sears contracted through. This particular one needs a grill cloth and it looks as if a previous owner tried refinishing the cabinet...yikes...but everything is there and does work. Can someone tell me more about the overall quality of Silvertone and maybe more about the brand in general? How do they compare to say, a Columbia or Victor? I just need to know if its worth the buy to fix and enjoy. Thanks

[m0xiemama]

Seems to me from reading the forums that brand preference is intensely personal. There have been a few people on here I know have said they quite enjoy their Silvertone. Is it ever going to be highly desirable? No. But if you like it enough to put the energy into it then I think $100 isn't a bad price for a working phono. Picture on here will always help get a more definitive answer.

When I started collecting I bought a few machines that were $50 or less. It let me tinker. I didn't have to worry about paying too much. None of them are popular models but it has given me the confidence to move on to better and time to buy the books and do the research to see what may be more worthwhile.

Hope that helps a little.

Andrea

[estott]

If you're talking about the typical table model Silvertone- an oak case with a fretwork grille- they are very decent machines worth at least a few hundred. The refinishing isn't a bad idea unless the lid decal has been lost. The weak point is usually the grille which is often found damaged.

When you bought a Silvertone from Sears you got very good value for your money, construction wise they were very solid. Since they sold very well you can find replacement pieces fairly easily. If the machine has the little fitting to turn the reproducer and plasy vertical cut discs that's a plus.

[Skihawx]

I would stay away from a Silvertone. One of the biggest pitfalls of a new collector is buying too much stuff before you realize what else is out there. There are so many
victors out there at low prices.

[dutchman]

If its in decent shape buy it. I have a upright Silvertone in my collection which is in great shape - nice machine and does not take up much room.

Just last night I received a call from a woman wanting to get rid of an upright Silvertone. Went to look at it and a sad sight. Her husband disassembled it, it was painted brown, missing the tone arm, grille broken, etc. I thought about offering something just for parts but decided against it.

[m0xiemama]

I know Victors are top quality but what a lot of the smaller companies did well is to design with style. Silvertone is reputable and a little over collecting in the early stages I think, is par for the course.

[JamesJW]

Thanks everyone, I found your replies very helpful. As ll in all, I think im going to mull it over a bit more, maybe ask to take a REALLY good look at it and decide from there.

[briankeith]

What company actually made these for Sears?

[estott]

As far as I can tell they were made by Conley of Rochester Minnesota. Their main product had been the Conley Camera which was Sears' house brand. They were the ancestor of the Waters-Conley Co. which built thousands of portables in the 30's and 40's.

[JamesJW]

Alright everyone, I went ahead and bought it. Runs great and sounds great, and the motor hardly had any grease mess in it. I did have to make my own mess and grease it though! I have no complaints other than the stupid person who tried refinishing it, and obviously didnt know how to to it. Ill have pics up soon!