An example built by the parent Company Denford Small Tools (D.S.T.) and discovered in South Africa during 2013, this most unusual Boxford had an entirely different bed to the normal models - much longer than standard and fitted with a detachable gap. Using otherwise standard parts - headstock, carriage assembly, screwcutting gearbox and tailstock, it was a relatively early Model A from around 1950 and preceded the equivalent South Bend 9-inch version by 10 years, that model being introduced circa 1960 (the Boxford being based, of course, on the original South Bend "9-inch").
Possibly an experimental machine taken to South Africa by an ex-employee, it was bought by its present owner from a gentleman who had discovered it amongst a warehouse full of tools sold to him by a person moving back to England. However, it is also likely - bearing in mind that it has a Denford inspection stamp in the bed - to have been one of a batch built to an importer's or Government agency specification; however, it's almost certain that it's origins will remain a mystery forever.
Should any reader have further information, or example of the same lathe, the writer would be interested to hear from you..