bernie wrote:I have a GS which I use every day and have since about '85. I've never totally understood the model designation. My frontplate just has "GS" on the "Serie" line. The serial number "HF" is 11682. So is it a series (1) or just a GS?
Bernie

Hi Bernie,

To expand a bit on what Bill was saying and what I have learned over the years, is that whilst the GS became the GS2 around 1981 the 1 group machines had minimal changes to the appearance when compared with 2, 3 and 4 group machines.

On 1 group machines they are essentially the same from the early 70's up to the end of the 80's. The frame and body panels are the same except for those that Bill listed - the metal end panels and steam knobs. Whilst it says GS on the badge it is really the 2nd series GS.

In later years you will see semi-auto machines (like Barry's that he had on Craiglist). Kent also told me that towards the end of the 80's the plastic panel with the Marzocco logo was dropped, and the steel extension on the cup warming tray was added. Curioiusly this machines has the logo plexi and the extension.

On another note I can tell you that my 1 group GS and yours are twins. Mine born just a few moments before yours....11681 !!! Is that great or what?

Paul

OK here is what I got out of Piero over the years and also from brochures.
The first GS machine was identified by a black base (crinkle coat) and water entry on the right, water exit on the left. It also has a lever for a steam valve and it had a lever action group valve (before the paddle). Additionally it had Chrome plastic side panel inserts. No one I have met has actually seen one of these. I have the brochure here and it looks way cool.
The next version of the GS was pretty much like what we see today. It is identified by a black base an orange lower panel, orange plastic side panel inserts, and GS (1 series knobs). On the next version of GS they changed the base from black to a 2 color grey. I have a sample here. Other things remained the same.

Then came the GS2 series. The 2, 3, 4 had a major change of appearance but the 1 group remained similar. They changed the base color again to brown and redesigned the valve knobs. Also changed were the side panel inserts. They went from the orange plastic to a stamped piece of sheet metal. And that was the last of the GS series machines. WHEW!

Bill C

Paul_Pratt wrote:Hi Bernie,


On another note I can tell you that my 1 group GS and yours are twins. Mine born just a few moments before yours....11681 !!! Is that great or what?

Paul

Thanks for the info, Paul. Wow. That is really, really something that we have consecutive numbers. Any idea of what the build dates would have been for these? I bought my machine from a guy in Albuquerque in about '85 or '87 when I owned a laundromat around the university area. Decades later Mike Wilkins was the regional rep for LM and came through Las Cruces and stayed with me a few days. When he saw the machine in my kitchen he just howled and said he suspected he'd been the first seller. Small world when it comes to LMs.
Bernie

Anybody know who ended up with this beauty? I believe it went for about $4051.00 Seems like a bargain.
Bernie

What's the appeal of the older GS-series paddle machines over a GS/3? It seems like the prices are getting up to what the GS/3 costs new.

Well, it's cooler.

Kinda like a classic car... I suppose the comment was a troll, but ah well.

I just noticed that it's listed again.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...0477338342

movnmik wrote:I just noticed that it's listed again.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...0477338342

Ouch. Wonder what happened on this one.

Bernie

Yeah, I'm guessing that it didn't turn out well. Maybe it won't end over 4k this time... doubtful though.