About the Company
Silvertone was a private label brand used by Sears, Roebuck & Co. in the United States, primarily for consumer audio and home electronics. While Silvertone was never an independent manufacturer, it marketed and sold a wide range of reel-to-reel tape recorders during the 1950s–1970s, often produced by OEM manufacturers like Consolidated, Fada, or others.
Brand: Silvertone (Sears)
Country: United States
Production Era: 1950s–1970s
Market: Consumer / home audio
Technology: Tube electronics initially; later solid-state (transistorized)
Track Format: 1/4-track mono or 2-track stereo
Tape Speeds: Commonly 3¾, 7½ ips
Reel Sizes: 5–7 inches typically
Notable Models: Silvertone 4402, 4502, 4503, 4703, 4770 series
Historical Development
1950s: Early Consumer Tape Recorders
Sears introduced Silvertone reel-to-reel decks as part of its home entertainment product line.
Early models were tube-based mono decks, often sold in console cabinets or portable suitcase-style units.
Aimed at home recording, radio transcription, and music playback.
1960s: Transition to Stereo and Solid-State
Silvertone decks adopted solid-state electronics as transistor technology became standard.
Introduced stereo playback/recording, adjustable speeds, and built-in VU meters in higher-end models.
Machines were OEM manufactured, often by Japanese or American companies, with Silvertone branding applied.
1970s: Consumer-Friendly Semi-Pro Models
Compact, portable suitcase-style decks became common.
Included features like automatic level control, dual-speed operation, and tape counters.
Competed with Akai, Panasonic, and Sony in the affordable home tape recorder market.
Key Models & Features
Silvertone 4402 / 4502
Silvertone 4703 / 4770
Silvertone 4770B
Technical Traits:
Built-in speaker in portable models
Simple transport mechanism for home use
Focused on ease of use and affordability over professional fidelity
Market Position and Legacy
Consumer brand only: Never intended for professional or studio use
OEM manufacturing: Silvertone decks were often identical to contemporary Japanese or American machines, rebadged for Sears
Decline: With the rise of compact cassettes in the mid-1970s, Silvertone reel-to-reel production ceased
Legacy: Vintage Silvertone decks are collectible Americana; notable for design and historical value rather than audio performance