Silvertone Model 1448 Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar, made by Danelectro (1965), Neptune, NJ.
The Model 1448 was the less expensive of two models of the classic Danelectro-made Silvertone 1960s guitar, sold through Sears and the original equipment for thousands of budding players and teen combos in the mid-1960s. The semi-hollow, black sparkle-finished, double cutaway, asymmetrical body has sharp curling "horns," vinyl edge trim, and a white Masonite pickguard. Someone at Sears must have thought "kids like sparkles" as it's a repeated finish motif on Silvertone instruments.
The fittings include one great-sounding Dan-O lipstick pickup with tone/volume controls and the traditional Dan-O chrome plate bridge with rosewood saddle. The short-scale neck ends in a Silvertone logo "paddle" headstock with skate key-style tuners. This is a played-in but still well-preserved example of these great-sounding little classics; one of the few remaining real bargains in an American-made vintage guitar going.
Overall length is 35 1/4 in. (89.5 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 1/2 in. (597 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
This guitar shows some use overall but remains all original and still plays nicely. There are small dings, dents, and scrapes overall, mostly to the back and to the headstock edges, but the hardware is relatively clean overall and the all-important sparkles in the finish are mostly intact. The vinyl siding is complete if a bit dirty in spots, and the paper knob inserts are yellowed in the center. It's a tribute to Nat Daniel's genius that this classic "throw away" garage band guitar is still ready to go 50+ years on. Excellent - Condition.
