For sale is an incredibly clean, collector-grade Silvertone 1478 model. This was identical to the Harmony Silhouette (save for the tremolo), simply badged 'Silvertone' and supplied via Sears & Roebuck.
It houses a pair of highly-prized 'silver foil' pickups - again structurally identical to a 'gold foil' pickup, also prodcued by Rowe Industries (Dearmond).
This was a high-end guitar produced by Harmony, designed to compete with Jazzmasters and other American-built offset guitars. As such, no expense is spared with regards to specs - it features a wonderful, big 'C' neck, a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with block inlays, the same (Switchcraft) components found on contemporary Gibson/Fender models and as mentioned, a pair of highly-coveted silver foil pickups.
This particular model is special for being in collector-grade condition, having barely been played since the day it left the factory. It features its original 2-tone case (often missing), but further still includes its original body guard - something that I've never seen before. It is a factory-provided sleeve that goes over the guitar like a jacket, with holes for the knobs. This means that one can theoretically play the guitar without ever taking it out of its jacket - and I think that's what happened, here.
The guitar is super clean and wholly original. As above it includes its original case and jacket, alongside the original truss rod tool - in its original paper envelope. And if that wasn't enough, it includes an original Whittle Music plectrum - assumably from where it was originally purchased. There is some minor age related lacquer checking/tarnishing and the lightest of incredibly fine surface marks, but again is about the cleanest I've ever seen.
Harmony still produce a 'Silhouette' model, also made in the USA and currently retailing at around the £1400 mark. Personally, I'd rather have this one - the original - and cleanest in existence - for less money!
An American classic guitar - and a piece of history, complete with its original case, guard and accessories.