1960s FI-Cord 101S Portable Transistor Spy Tape Recorder
This small, battery powered, 1960s FI-Cord 101S Portable Transistor Spy Tape Recorder is neatly fitted within its own ever-ready black leatherette carry case.
This rare device even comes with its original instructions, a few dictating slips, three spare magnetic tapes in a box, and accessory holder. It uses two ¼" magnetic tapes with 24 minutes total recording time.
In very good cosmetic condition with negligible surface scuffs/blemishes. The motor seems to be working as you can hear squelch and the light comes on, however the reel spindles are not turning. It is likely that the rubber drive belts will need changing, as you might expect from something of this age. Consequently, It is being sold as a collectible for display only and the price has been adjusted accordingly.
Used by Intelligence agencies, notably the CIA (Spies), industry, office staff, travelling salesmen e.t.c., this audio tape recorder was designated as 'miniature' and 'body wearable!' Which is amazing as it is not miniature and is quite heavy by modern day standards... In the 1960s, it was considered very futuristic, coinciding with the start of the James Bond film franchise and the original Star Trek you can see the tech similarities.
Specification
- Model FI-Cord 101S
- Made in Switzerland No. SSX 22445 (made by Stellavox for FI-Cord UK)
- Portable Transistor Tape Recorder / Dictating machine in an Ever Ready black leather case
- Tape: ¼" standard reel magnetic recording tape
- Tape Speed: 17/8 i.p.s (~ 4.8cm/s)
- Power Source: 3 volts = Two AA batteries {Quoted in the 1960s as 2 x Mallory ZM9 or RM522 mercury batteries which are now obsolete}
- Approx. Size: 15.2 x 8.4 x 4.2 cm
A 'reel' nostalgia trip for the 1960s aficionado or would-be CIA operative!
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NB: Classic American cars etc. are not included...
