Whilst the number of machine-tool manufactures who failed to brand their products must run into the hundreds - and who can blame them when many were of marginal specification and sold to dealers or middle men canny enough to bulk order during trade downturns - it is rare to find a very high quality lathe left unbranded in this way. Of superior quality, veautifully made and with unusual and useful detailing, the lathe here is of American origin and would have been constructed circa 1895 to 1910. Its general appearance suggests inspiration from the "Wade", "Waltham" and similar schools of thought.