Crowncorder briefcase mains/battery radio/tape recorder

This auction is for (according to the label, which is the only documentation I have) a Crowncorder, 11-transistor MW/SW 2 band Radio/Tape recorder model CRC-6150S. It runs on 117 volts ac or on 6 "D" type batteries. It has been tested with a 120 volt ac supply and it worked ok so I assume it will work ok on batteries. Tape speeds are 1 7/8 i.p.s. and 3 3/4 i.p.s.(altered by removing the large capstan sleeve and using the inner capstan). Made by the Crown Radio Corporation of Japan.

This machine looks like a briefcase and is of a type very popular in America in the seventies. It was just the thing to keep the bored, travelling businessman company in his grim motel room. It has a medium wave/short wave radio which works fine and a separate tape recorder section. Obviously it will record from the radio and from the large microphone provided (it has an automatic level feature). The aerial for the radio emerges from the right hand side when you push the top in to release it. On the other side, at the front, we come to an interesting feature. There is a small chrome button with in/out positions which switches the recorder on and off. Given that there are vents in the bottom of the case near to the microphone I assume this feature would be to record meetings, etc. secretly with just a touch of the unobtrusive button, just the thing for the industrial spy or private eye.

Seriously this is an interesting  and unusual piece of equipment which would not be out of place in any collection.

There is a removable tray holding the microphone which lifts out giving access to the mains lead and battery compartment which has a little map showing how the batteries fit in. There are no panels or cubby holes or anything on the outside to suggest it is anything but a briefcase. I have replaced one of the belts inside, it is not quite the same as the original but seems to work. It can be identified as it is bright yellow should you want to change it. Otherwise the machine is in good cosmetic and working condition.

Thanks for looking.