Can't tell you much about it other than it was manufactured by National and badged with the name Richmond. That circular chrome access medallion on the front is a dead giveaway.
The spring belt may be a bit louder than leather, but it will work fine and never wear out.
You can probably manage with a standard sewing machine needle, but you'll have to "cheat" it down a little bit. The original needles are a skotch longer than the current standard needles.