This is one of the earliest wide-bed "R" series lathes I have seen. The R series had the double wall apron with the modern feed shift selector, also had the "new" spud lock Compound. The N series, which had a different apron, still retained the T bolt compound.
Both had Top-oiling headstocks, the next series after the R was the S series, which did have the side oiling headstock, as did the next "T" series also. This lathe is a late 1934 or early 1935. The serial number would be a good one to call Leblond on as it falls at the end or beginning of the year.
I suspect it's a 1935 but can't make the call. It appears to have all the added sundries of a complete tool room lathe, which I would call it. It does appear to be in original paint.
South Bend stopped japanning in 1934 and this is the green gray first enamel. Note the cream/yellowish color inside the bed, an indication of an original finish lathe.
Now everyone will just have to trust me when I say this is not an "O" series lathe and I've never seen an "R" it in this early of a catalog. What this shows us is that the O, N and R series lathes for at least a few years were being made at the same time. The original series, The "O" lathe started in 1906, it is easy to identify by the more squared corners of the apron and with power feed will always have a star knob or round knob with star in the center for feed shift engagement. As time went on I suspect the O series was a more cost effective lathe and a real moneymaker for South Bend, so they would be reluctant to phase it out. I believe this happened when the Workshop series lathes took off in sales.
Richard, I believe you have a very nice original condition, well maintained very early edition R series wide bed 9. Something special I think. I would try to get more info from Leblond.
If you can take a few more pictures for me, I would like to post them to my photo files
on my web site. You may e-mail them to me at:
[email protected]
Steve Wells
www.wswells.com
until I educated myself on Heavy Nines.
