Up for sale is a classic Sears Silvertone Model 1457, one of the most recognizable beginner guitar outfits of the 1960s. Built for Sears by Danelectro, the 1457 included the famous “Amp-in-Case” design, making it one of the coolest and most collectible student guitars ever produced.

What makes this particular example special is its ownership history.

I purchased this guitar in 1995 directly from the original owners. They told me it had been purchased new as a Christmas gift for their daughter, Janet. In fact, when I bought it, her name was written on the original guitar strap. Unfortunately, that strap has been lost over the years, but I’ve always remembered the story because it connected the guitar to its original family.

Since purchasing it nearly 30 years ago, the guitar has spent almost its entire life stored safely in my closet. Other than installing a fresh set of strings shortly after I bought it in 1995, I haven’t really played it. Ironically, one of those strings finally broke from old age while I was photographing the guitar for this listing.

This is a remarkably honest, unmolested example that has simply been preserved rather than restored.

Included

• Original Silvertone 1457 guitar
• Original Amp-in-Case
• Original tremolo footswitch (missing from many surviving examples)
• Original Jensen “Special Design” speaker
• Original electronics and hardware

Condition

Considering its age, the outfit remains in very respectable vintage condition.

The amplifier powers up and produces sound through the original Jensen speaker. The controls are scratchy, as you would expect after decades of storage, but they function. The tremolo effect is currently not operating. I have never attempted to troubleshoot or repair it, so I’m selling it exactly as I’ve owned it.

The guitar appears to retain its original finish, lipstick pickups, hardware, and electronics. It shows honest cosmetic wear consistent with age but has never been heavily used during my ownership.

This is being sold as a vintage instrument that would likely benefit from a routine service and cleaning before regular use.

Why This One?

Many Silvertone 1457 outfits have been pieced together over the years or modified. This one tells a different story.

It spent its early life with its original owner, then came to me in 1995, where it has remained carefully stored for nearly three decades. The included original tremolo footswitch, original Jensen speaker, and the documented ownership history make this an especially appealing example for collectors looking for an honest, largely untouched Silvertone outfit.

Whether you’re a collector, vintage enthusiast, or simply someone looking for one of the most iconic catalog guitars of the 1960s, this 1457 is a wonderful survivor that deserves to be appreciated by its next caretaker.