National Solid State 401S portable reel-to-reel tape recorder

National Solid State 401S portable reel-to-reel tape recorder (model designation: RQ-401S), manufactured in Japan by Panasonic/Matsushita/National between 1966 and 1969.
"Solid State" indicates that it utilizes semiconductor technology—a modern advancement for the time—rather than fragile, heat-generating vacuum tubes.
It features a distinctive central lever that allows for changing the direction of tape playback and recording (from left-to-right or right-to-left) without the need to physically flip the reels.
Designed for small reels (up to 4 inches in diameter), it includes a built-in speaker, enabling fully autonomous operation.
It can be powered either directly from the mains (the power cord is visible on the right side) or by conventional batteries.
The unit appears to be functional.
The motor and tape transport mechanism work, as does the fast-forward/rewind function; however, I do not have the appropriate tapes to verify its operation with 100% certainty.
Visually, it is in excellent condition.

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