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 in three versions: changewheels for screwcutting; changewheels combined with 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) and a top-of-the-range version with a full Norton-type screwcutting and feeds gearbox
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, at £125 less motor, was similar to that asked for a Boxford buy 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..

The broad tumble reverse gears (below the headstock spindle gear) are in Tufnol.
Like the pre-war South Bend 9-inch "Workshop" lathe, the (in this case very short) tumble reverse lever was locked in place with a nut - that had, very inconveniently, to be slackened before the travel of the carriage could be reversed.