Nancy - Wow! Thanks, 1956, huh?
Havplenty - Must be a good time for finding LBOW, mine is one, too. The serial number is stamped under the bed on the left side near the hinge for the extension. You don't have to remove the oil drip cover, it's outside of it.
I think I'm going to really like this machine. It really is like a big sister of the Featherweight. I just got her cleaned up and spent a few minutes test stitching but I'm impressed so far.