In comparison with the company's 3.5" model, Hobson's larger lathe had a distinctly old-fashioned look about it  - with, on early versions, small micrometer dials and over-styled bed feet. The lathe was available with either changewheels for screwcutting, or changewheels with the addition of a simple 3-speed gearbox which, like that used on the popular Harrison L5, gave the operator access to three quickly changed rates of sliding feed..
Supported on taper-roller bearings, the  spindle had a No. 4 Morse taper and a bore of 1". Six speeds were provided , starting at a rather too-high 165 rpm and to continuing through 188, 295, 680, 800 and 1400 rpm . The price, £145, was nearly three times that of a basic Myford ML7.
The illustrations below show various stages in the evolution of the model with several differences apparent: the top-slide casting was machined all over, micrometer dials made much larger, holes through the bed feet repositioned  through the end faces, a longer tumble-reverse arm and a cast-aluminium changewheel cover. Both Hobson lathes examined by the writer showed evidence of much hand finishing and poor detailing - suggesting assembly from bought-in components in a workshop with limited facilities.
If you have a Hobson 5-inch, or can add to the history of this lathe, the writer would be pleased to hear from you.