c.1940 Silvertone Archtop Guitar

Sears bought Harmony in 1916 (I think) to supply them with instruments for their mailorder catalogs. The same year, Sears began marketing their instruments under the "Supertone" brand name. In 1940 Sears sold Harmony though they still used Harmony-built instruments in their catalogs. That same year (1940) Sears dropped the Supertone label and began using the Silvertone brand for their instruments. They also started using more instruments from other makers and I believe this to be made by Regal in Chicago judging by body shape, trim, and f-hole shapes.

Someone didn't like the Silvertone moniker on the headstock so they scratched it out. I'm also pretty sure this headstock was cut at some point to resemble Gibson headstocks. The typical Silvertone headstock from the period was simpler.

Bound rosewood board with celluloid dots. Top is bound, too, with marquetry along the edges.

Speaking of the top: it's nice spruce which I think is hand-carved, though it's possible it was pressed. Finish is pockmarked and scratched all over, which shows it had been put to good use... and for good reason... this guitar positively roars. Slashes through the crowd with a bite.

Detail.

Back and sides are laminate maple with a flamed maple sheet on the top.

...which gives it an attractive look despite all the nicks.

Overview.

Tuners are possibly replacements but look the part.

Bottom's up! Tailpiece is stamped Germany and I'm pretty sure the bridge is newer (c.1960s or 1970s).