IBM reel-to-reel tape deck
Date: 1970-1980
Inventory Number: 2004-1-0029
Classification: Computer Tape/Storage
Subject:
Maker: International Business Machines Corporation (1911-present)
User: I. Bernard Cohen (1914 - 2003)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
9 × 61.2 × 33 cm (3 9/16 × 24 1/8 × 13 in.)
Description:
A large reel-to-reel tape deck enclosed in a rectangular black metal case with a transparent plastic cover. A leather rim runs around the perimeter of the case lid, obscuring the connection screws from view. A handle on the topmost panel of the case is molded as part of the outer case wall.
Inside the case are two metal spools, side-by-side. Each spool consists of a metal bar with a flat metal disc at each end. Each disc has three equally placed slits cut in it, each perpendicular to the circumference. A white plastic board, supported by two shorter boards at each side, runs across and above the center of the two spools. There is a metal cylinder in the bottom right-hand and left-hand corners, underneath the spools. The bottom of the case, on which the spools are mounted, is plated in silver-colored metal.
Inside the case are two metal spools, side-by-side. Each spool consists of a metal bar with a flat metal disc at each end. Each disc has three equally placed slits cut in it, each perpendicular to the circumference. A white plastic board, supported by two shorter boards at each side, runs across and above the center of the two spools. There is a metal cylinder in the bottom right-hand and left-hand corners, underneath the spools. The bottom of the case, on which the spools are mounted, is plated in silver-colored metal.
Signedembossed in white letters on blue label on case lid: IBM 0402
Inscribedin white letters on yellow sticker on instrument case: WORK/022R
hand-written on white label on instrument case: 0080319101
hand-written on white label on instrument case: 0080319101
FunctionReel-to-reel tape decks were some of the earliest audio recording and play-back technologies. Users could record audio information onto a reel of magnetic storage tape as it was wound from one spool to the other. Audio information could be played back by winding the tape in the opposite direction.
ProvenanceRemoved from I. Bernard Cohen's study in Widener Library on 3.4.2004.