Circa 1952 Silvertone acoustic 78 rpm record player
 

I found this Silvertone record player at the flea market and it's a 78 rpm-only model, with an electric motor and acoustical amplification. It's in the 1952 Christmas catalog and cost $12 and some change when new.

Since there is no electronic amplifier or cartridge, it was an easier-then-usual restoration, only needing the usual mechanical cleaning and lubrication. The only thing it needs is an idler wheel rebuild and a pack of steel needles; but, it can be used like it is.

I think these types of record players were made for children at least into the late '60's-early '70's and some of them had 33 and/or 45 rpm speeds (I'd hate to play a vinyl or styrene microgroove record on one of these).

As far as these types of kid's phonographs go, this one is built better than the usual cardboard and plastic ones that I've seen in the past.

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...pstcxcnla6.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...psh5jjasa5.jpg

I wonder who made that for Sears. I saw a Waters-Conley, Phonola that was an acoustic spring wound phono that had a 45 and 78 speed setting. The seller was playing a 45 record on it.
I know that Vanity-Fair was making them into the late 60's.

I've not seen a later acoustic kiddie phono (the kind with plastic reproducers) that includes 33 speed, but stranger things have happened.

Yup, I had one made by Lionel when I was 5. :)