re: A Brand New [Fifty Some Year Old) Rockwell Delata 12" (36" bed) Lathe

Kelly,
On the site www.vintagemachinery is a register of these types of machines,
I didnt find your there but as it has a Rockwell Pittsburg ID plate it means it was manufactured after 1953 when Rockwell moved there.
The serial number 1701517 indicates it was made in 1976.

Why the interest? I used to work for Rockwell Int when they were in Australia and when Boeing and Rayetheon bought some of their business I transfered to Boeing and had the sad task of assisting with the shutting down their manufacturing plant in Victoria and relocating those who wanted to join Boeing.
I did voice my opinion on the sense of the idea at the time but it went ahead anyway.
Rockwell was one of the biggest companies in the 1980s and did mostly Defence work which declined hence the sell off They retained the Commercial Truck division, which incidently made all the loot! and the Rockwell Collins radio division then in those days 80 % of all aircraft had RC radios fitted.

The Rockwell tools you see in the shops today are chinese and they bought the brand name.

So whenever I see a genuine Rockwell Product I get excited!!