Gerhard,
I can't see how many sheaves it has on the head, normally 3, which means that with the back gear, 6 speeds. If you mod the motor and belt drive a little, and put twin sheaves on that, you are then looking at a 12 speed machine.
It looks to have a plain bearing head, most probably brass or bronzed bushed (Babbit plain bearing heads usually had a larger bearing holder that they are cast into), so that should cause you no problems if the bearings need to be changed. The only problem with plain bearing heads is the max speed they can run at, but if set up correctly, I found they gave a much superior finish to the cut than a head with bearings.
For the supposedly year of manufacture I am surprised to see what looks like to be a power cross feed on the saddle. A feature a lot of the smaller modern lathes don't have, and certainly a bonus. It even looks to have a tumbler reverse, which means cutting left hand threads won't be a problem.
Ok, it is only looks to be an old lathe, but I am sure with a little tweaking here and there, it will certainly match the performance, or even better, a lot of the smaller modern day machines.
You will need to get the gearing sorted out to find out what sizes of thread it will cut, but initially set up for a fine feed rather than screwcutting, and you will be away with the birds.
Just enjoy your find.
Bogs