Thanks a lot for the input guys. I would love to keep the Unimat for small jobs, but I have moved to a house where there aren't any outbuildings suitable for a workshop and need to raise funds to build one.
My Unimat is also in a wooden case, but it looks home built rather than a factory item ( really well made though )
There are several Unimat 3 specific books that came with the deal as well. One is authored by a chap called Gerald Wingrove who I believe is the same person who models classic cars to an incredible standard.
I'm going to have to ponder on what to do… which probably means trying to come up with a justification for keeping it rather than selling it on 
Later I'll investigate the contents of the box more thoroughly and take some pictures, just for interest.
Being an auction buy I have no idea what the story behind the lathe is, I really hope the reason for it's sale was that the owner has traded up to something larger, rather than it being a result of bereavement or no longer being able to carry on with their hobby. I'm not really a sentimental person, but I often wonder about the history of any old and well cared for machine or hand tools I buy….if only they could talk 