Culver City,
California
x
KGB Tape Recorder
Date Made: n.d.
Country: Soviet Union
Materials: plastic; metal; paint
Measurements: 2 cm x 14 cm x 6 cm; 13/16 in x 5 1/2 in x 2 3/8 in; 14 cm x 30.5 cm x 11.5 cm; 5 1/2 in x 12 in x 4 1/2 in
A Soviet KGB spy tape recorder with built-in radio receiver for capturing and recording radio signals from a hidden microphone "bug." The radio is specifically a black Panasonic RX-M50 Radio Cassette Recorder. KGB electronics professionals modified the radio so that it would operate at a higher frequency and slow down the tape recorder's speed. The front of the radio displays channels and frequencies and the left half opens up for the insertion of cassette tapes. The right hand side of the radio has a dial for tuning right below the handle. The handle runs across the back of the radio and can be lifted up. Most of the buttons and switches are located on the top of the radio. This includes a headphone jack, the pause, stop/eject, ff/cue, rew/rev, play, and record buttons, a red light that illuminates while operating, two switches labeled selector and band, and two dials for tone and volume. The antenna folds out of the top and can be extended to a length of 31 inches. Two red arrows point out the two switches that would have been used by KGB agents, one of which is labeled with a white M. This switch would have slowed down the tape so it didn't need to be replaced as frequently. A cover can be removed from the back to reveal the battery compartment. There is a white label on the bottom with the inscription 0107.
Accession Number: 2021.013.012