Looks like a nice machine and I know you will enjoy it. Not sure why they would put tape on the belt. But maybe they just wanted to cover the staple that joins the two ends. Depending on the condition of the leather you may still be able to use it. Some use dental floss to sew the ends together instead of the staple. I don't think tape will hold it together for it to be used.
Looks like a nice 15 and possibly the "Tiffany" or "Gingerbread" decals.