need help ID-ing old oliver lathe

Hi, I've just bought my first lathe - a very old 12"x48" 3-speed "Oliver no 54" (as cast on the front of the bed), driven from a floor-level motor via a 2" wide belt. I would love any information anyone might have on when this lathe was made. I can't find any mention of a model #54 anywhere on the net, and the serial number plate is gone. The only clues I have are a "54-56" cast on the inside of the headstock, and a "19 6" cast in the tailstock side leg. It's also old enough to have brass collars bathed in gear oil in lieu of ball bearings around the spindle. Any good detectives or historians out there?

Also, it's all ready to go except that it's missing a tool rest. Does anyone have any leads on where I might find one? I'm wondering if the bed is a standard size that might fit a tool rest from other companies still in business. The space in the bed is 2 1/2" wide. I already have the number for Oliver/Eagle Machinery in Grand Rapids, but it sounds like their parts are very expensive and since I only paid $200 for the lathe I would hate to nearly double my investment on a tool rest.

Thanks a lot!

Kaleem Oakland, CA

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Kaleem
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Reply to
George

Definitely a nice find, I get to work with one at adult ed. It is a 12" with about a 6' table and only one speed, needs new knives desperately. Quite a "Satanic" and arcane machine, along with the 270D table saw.

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archive, and they want contributions.Alex

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AAvK

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