Serial Number is #53247.
Thanks for putting all the effort into your South Bend
 website. It’s been very useful as I evaluate the latest lathe I've added to my
 collection.
 This one is a South Bend 9” swing bench lathe, 4 ½’
 long by 7” wide heavy style bed, single tumbler quick change gearbox, early junior
 style feet. 
  Cast into the bed on the inside face is S 9 32 7 11. The
 last three digits appear to be surrounded by a rectangular outline which
 indicates they  probably changed with each casting. That should translate to
 a casting date of July 11, 1932 which appears about right compared to the
 serial number. Model Number from the brass plate on the gear cover is
 480-RN. Note that I also found 480N (no R) stamped underneath the plate.
 Based on the model number this should be an O series lathe
 according to pages 22 and 25 of the 1934 South Bend catalog. However the
 main castings do not look like the O series pictures. According to the images
 in the catalogs and bulletin 200 this has a headstock, tailstock and apron
 from the series N lathes. It also has tapered gibs in the cross slide and
 compound. The double walled apron also has the single star knob and push-pull pin
 control like the N series.
  This lathe sat untouched for decades according to the person
 I bought it from. There is little to no wear under the thick layer
 of dirt and grime. Gears and bearings are all in near perfect condition. It
 came with a horizontal countershaft which appears to match the rest of
 the machine in finish and condition.