Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

1952 GAGGIA Spagna Brand New!

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • 1952 GAGGIA Spagna Brand New!

    Some of you will have seen this on you-know-where in Spain. Curiosity got the better of me so I low balled it and here it is on the bench a week later. It was listed as a new, never used display machine and missing some bits like the end plate, elements, dipper tubes and gauge assembly.

    Calling it brand new after 70 years was a bit of a stretch but indeed, it has never been used so 'new old stock' maybe and seeing as I have all the bits to make it complete again I thought, why not give it a go.

    My first thoughts were to replace the missing bits and fire it up keeping it as original as possible but on reflection a unique machine like this deserves more so I'll strip it down, powder coat the frame, sand blast the boiler and do a general go-over on the valves and seals etc.

    The groups I'll just give the floppy seals a squiz and maybe firm them up a bit but I'll probably replace with rubber gaskets and shims. I'm rather excited about pulling the tops off the groups because at the moment they feel like brand new so it will be interesting to see the condition. All the valves look like they were assembled yesterday but the rubber components are a little firm.

    I really like playing with these early Gaggias because apart from installing a modern pressure-stat there is virtually no plumbing. The steam, hot water and sight glass architecture bolt straight to the boiler. The worst thing I've found is a plastic-like protective film on the chrome which is rather difficult to remove.

    Here are some pics. The first are from the original listing, the last are on the bench.


    Click image for larger version

Name:	GaggiaSpagna01.jpg
Views:	921
Size:	506.4 KB
ID:	907058 Click image for larger version

Name:	GaggiaSpagna02.jpg
Views:	768
Size:	514.9 KB
ID:	907059 Click image for larger version

Name:	GaggiaSpagna06.jpg
Views:	743
Size:	183.6 KB
ID:	907060 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20220326_134438_resized_20220326_020656041.jpg
Views:	740
Size:	442.2 KB
ID:	907061 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20220326_110842_resized_20220326_020655616.jpg
Views:	736
Size:	198.6 KB
ID:	907062

  • #2
    😍

    Did see this. Very cool.

    Comment


    • #3
      Oh WOW you have hit the jackpot JMcCee congrats

      Comment


      • #4
        Awesome…..

        Comment


        • #5
          She is stunning.

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks all, shall post progress pics. Though maybe I should've posted in the vintage extreme sticky.

            Comment


            • #7
              Someone was rather adamant today that apart from seals and gaskets I should only revive the boiler and leave the rest original, even the little bits of rust on the lever chrome. I'm now in two minds. What do you guys think?

              Comment


              • #8
                Antique furniture restoration tends to like leaving the wear and tear of the pieces history viewable after restoration.

                Motor vehicle restoration tends to try to get everything back to showroom condition.

                For an espresso machine I'd probably be in the back to showroom camp.

                Either way it's an absolute ripper well done you!!

                Cheers

                Comment


                • #9
                  Such a cool machine! Be sure to update, curious to see where you take it.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    To be honest, she looks like she is in pretty good condition.
                    If the chassis is badly rusted then maybe paint/powdercoat.
                    For sure polish up and reco the boiler and copper/brass.
                    Maybe just soft polish the chrome/SS/gold for now.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      She's a beauty alright, would be a showstopper on any kitchen bench.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by JMcCee View Post
                        Someone was rather adamant today that apart from seals and gaskets I should only revive the boiler and leave the rest original, even the little bits of rust on the lever chrome. I'm now in two minds. What do you guys think?
                        If the re-sale value is important, then perhaps leave it original, but if it is more about making you happy when you see it first thing in the morning, then do whatever makes you happiest.

                        Whatever you do, that is one gorgeous machine!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Thanks! It won't have the original end plate or gauge assembly so I'll probably give it the works. The biggest problem now is the water inlet valve stem is broken and of course they are no longer available so I'll have to get one made.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Makes good sense - good luck with it all and hope to see updates down the track.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Today I took the top assembly out of the left group. Looks like it was made yesterday so that's a good start.

                              The seals are the earlier America sleave type which I'm not familiar with but I'll figure it out. They look so good I'm going to just reassemble.

                              Be a hoot if they fire up for the first time in 70 years with no leaks!

                              Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20220330_150336.jpg
Views:	526
Size:	441.8 KB
ID:	907767 Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20220330_150443.jpg
Views:	464
Size:	263.8 KB
ID:	907768

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X