Basket for Gagga "Gilda" 1952

[Steven Immel]

Does anyone know where I can get a basket (ca. 45mm wide) for a Gaggia Gilda single lever machine (ca. 1952)?



I'd be happy to barter new piston gaskets (for same unit). Thank you. --Steven[/img]

[hbuchtel]

Gaggia Gilda single lever machine (ca. 1952)

That is a facinating looking machine!

Do you know if it came before the two-armed Gaggia also from ~1952?

There are a few modern lever machines that use a 45mm basket (Ponte Vecchio) and olders ones as well (Peppina, La Riviera). What shape is it? Straight/curved/angled walls?

Do you have any more photos?

Henry

[Steven Immel]

Thanks for your speedy reply. The single-handled Gaggia apparently predates the rabbit ears by a year or two. The first ads for the single are from 1952 while the first for the rabitt ears is 1954. Enrico Maltoni kindly sent me copies of the original ads. I tried a small basket from a La Riviera but it was about 1 mm too big in diameter. I'll keep looking. (BTW, I do have one that I use, but it would be ideal to have two). I'd like to share this historic picture of the Gilda I found.
--Steven

[Steven Immel]

To Henry's question regarding basket's shape: it's straight without any angle. I'll post a picture next week. --Steven

[timo888]

The single-handled Gaggia apparently predates the rabbit ears by a year or two. The first ads for the single are from 1952 while the first for the rabitt ears is 1954. Enrico Maltoni kindly sent me copies of the original ads.

Steven,
Thanks for the pics

I find the evolution odd, if it's correct. It looks as though the single-lever model had steam, and the "rabbit-eared" model did not.

How is the boiler lid sealed to the boiler cylinder
Regards
Timo

[Steven Immel]

Hello. Here is a scan of the Gilda filter (44 mm dia. measured on the bottom) on top of a Riviera (45 mm dia.). The height is nearly identical; the lip of the Gilda is larger but that is not critical here. Could someone with a Ponte Vecchio (Henry's suggestion) please measure the diameter of their filter at the bottom? That's OD by the way.



Regarding Timo's query, the Gilda is not a closed system. It has a simple pressure release valve and an overflow tube that directs steam to the drip pan when the water comes to a boil. It's a very gentle steam. At this point you can flip the switch off and make your espresso in peace. Since the unit is nearly all aluminum, it maintains its temperature for quite a while. The lid is cinched down with a large threaded rod which also serves as the anchor point for the lever. Not visible in the picture is 4th "appendage", a temperature gauge, 0°C - 150° C with "Gaggia" printed in the middle of the dial.

[Pietro]

Hello Steven,

First of all thanks for the nice pictures, a rarity. I am glad Mr. Maltoni was kind with you. He did also give me some details about the machine but also told me that restoring my old Gaggia is not worth the investment since the coffee won't be that good. I decided to do it anyways but I also would like some feedback from you about it as you have a working one!

I would need some help on how to proceed dismantling it and checking the pieces. Is there any reference site you can recommend?
Where can I search for parts like seals and electric parts as well?

My Gaggia Gilda belonged to my grand father and has a label of 1948 on it, so I guess slightly older than yours. It looks totally identical tough.

Thanks a lot,

Pietro

[Steven Immel]

Hi Pietro,

How exciting to discover another extant Gilda--it's like finding an old Ferrari in a barn. First of all let me dispel any doubts about the quality of the espresso from this machine--it's GREAT. As with any machine one just has to get familiar with it and to find the right grind and tamping. A gravity machine like this has some distinct advantages over a pressurized machine, for example you can't "explode" coffee all over the kitchen by removing the portafilter in the middle of extraction, and the machine definitely won't overheat like so many, resulting in overextraction. Finally, the minuscule piston allows one to preheat the cups with a careful blast of hot water, very easily done without scalding yourself or making a mess--ten times more efficient than preheating the espresso cups with steam. People might scoff at my Ferrari analogy--the lightness of this unit--ca. 9 lbs--is not be be confused with cheapness but is the result of an ingenious design. When the others (Faema, etc.) went about their designs they created 20-30 lb. monsters that will give you a hernia when you empty the water in the boiler. (But I love my Faemina too, for different reasons).

It's very simple to rebuilt the unit and you will discover many very beautifully engineered parts, for example most of the o-rings are "captive" in grooves. The most important question: it there anything missing? After this, is the heating element good? The piston gaskets are no problem as are any of the o-rings and seals. If the hold-down rod with threaded ends is corroded (it's chrome-plated steel), you should replace it with a stainless rod, easily done at any machine shop. Give me a call at 212 758-1946 to chat.

The Gaggia badge "1848-1948" is just a commemorative thing. I assure you that the machine came on the market around 1952 and is one of the very first home units.

Once you finish your restoration, the aluminum exterior can be brought to a brilliant shine and it will last for months just with occasional wiping. --Steven

[Pietro]

Hi Steven,

I am grateful for your precious competence, and I won't be the one scoffing at your analogy . Also seeing that someone develops a passion for such fine home tools is really beautiful. I am having espresso with a wonderful La Pavoni, therefore a pressurized machine, and an excellent one in term of simplicity and quality of the espresso. In fact it is for me exciting to finally see a hope in restoring the Gilda and hear that the coffee is a GREAT one. However let's distinguish: are we talking about espresso right? I can't wait to have it working.

The story of my Gilda is the following: it was given as a gift from my grandfather to my parents after the WW2. I simply digged it from the basement and let it wait until I had time to dedicate to it. A couple of months. Now I asked my father what was wrong with the machine but he can't remember, so no help. It was stored for at least 30 years in the basement. The electric cable has been cut off so I could not try if the heating element is still good.
I haven't taken anything apart yet, everything seems to be blocked(not the piston and the coffee basket) and I have to buy proper sprays to unlock all screws not to damage it all.
Optically it looks like there is everything I know of. I can upload a picture if you want. I made them all when I contacted Maltoni.

You say " The piston gaskets are no problem as are any of the o-rings and seals." What do you mean? Easy to find because they have standard size or they are never in bad conditions?

"hold-down rod with threaded ends" here I am failing to understand what it is. Simple language problem.

O f course I'd like to give you a call and have a chat about it. When is it at best for you and in what time zone are you located? I am in Germany.

The aluminium exterior can be brought to a brilliant shine like in your picture? Without chroming it? Maltoni told me there is a chrome layer on top of the aluminum....is that true? Mine is of course really a matt aluminium color. Just cleaning it it look beautiful even without the shine!

Any restoring tips and tricks are extremely welcome

Thanks,

Pietro

[Steven Immel]

Pietro: Yes, we are talking about espresso, the very best kind. No cappuccinos, that's for sissies. Now to work:

You need to check first the functionality of the element. Pour about 1/2 litter of water in the boiler (the temp gauge screws out counter clockwise for this purpose). Then attach a power source via alligator clips to the cut-off lines. Best would be to remove (cut off) the wires from the switch, which may or may or may not be working. Just so you know, the wires snake up the center tube, then attach to the element (under a little cover). While you are doing this test, keep your hands off the unit, just in case a wire is shorting out. My 110v unit takes 8 1/2 minutes to come to a boil; a 220v machine will probably be faster, but in any case you will know in a couple of minutes whether the boiler is getter hot or not. If the element is okay, your restoration with be very fast. If not, it's not a loss, but it will take you some time and advice from a espresso machine repair shop to locate a suitable replacement element.

The o-rings: I'd be happy to send you almost everything for my cost. It took me several months to locate the right piston gaskets but now I have a supply to last a lifetime.

Hold-down rod: Look at the center appendage that sticks through the lid of the machine. This appendage has a two-fold purpose: it is the rear connecting point for the lever and at the same time it serves as a "nut" to secure the lid to the boiler. Here is how to remove the lid: 1) remove temperature gauge and the aluminum fitting just below it; 2) remove the two pins that the lever pivots on (there are tiny clips that you can remove with you thumbnail (you don't need a tool for this); 3) remove the lever; 4) remove the beautiful aluminum fitting from the piston shaft--counter clockwise; 5) remove the "nut" from the center hold-down rod with a wrench, again counter clockwise. Don't marr any of the fittings or nuts! Next you can tap the lid upward with a piece of wood and remove it. Beware that the overflow tube will still be attached to the lid but it can be snaked through the bracket attached to the left tube. You will be able to remove this tube, however, it requires a special wrench of sorts; a round brass nut secures it from the underside and it has two holes in which the special wrench fits. You may have to take the lid to a machine shop for this, as fabricate your own tool.

Next you can remove (pick out) the old gasket in the groove of the lid--again, carefully, not to marr the aluminum. The original gasket is probably graphite cord which will be replace is a new viton o-ring which will last until you children enter college. (by the way, once to get the lid off, the piston rod just pulls right out. To be continued...

Best way to talk (Germany to US) is with Skype. Skype to Skype is free, so if you don't have an account, get one immediately. Our Skype name is "olgaimme". Ich kann Deutsch aber fur techische Dinge, was Dein Projekt betrifft, bin ich fast hilflos.

Aluminum exterior: Use that good German polish "Wenol". Mr. Maltoni either erred about a "chrome layer" or was thinking about the other "Gilda"-- Gaggia's two-lever machine (rabbit ears), which is indeed chrome plated. Ours is aluminum alloy with the exception of the brass lever, drip plate and a few miscellaneous parts which are chrome plated. Your matt finish is the result of 30 years in the cellar. --Steven

[Pietro]

Hi steven,

Thanks again. I am checking the element now. I also contacted you via Skype. If you call I hear it while testing probably

Talk to you later hopefully. By the way: your german sounds better than mine anyways: I am italian but I live here.

Pietro

[Steven Immel]

You forgot to tell me your Skype name (I found five Pietros in Germany who speak Italian). --Steven

[Pietro]

Hi Steven,

So Steven, here I am. Good news is I tested the element! Bad news is that it is not working
Then I am stuck on point 1 ! This is because the aluminium fitting below the temperature gauge does not want to get screwed out.
I tried with a spray for this kind of blocked screws but I had no success until now. Being the boiler round is also not easy to keep the machine steady and exert a good force on it.
I do it carefully but I did try it strongly already. Any suggestion to unlock the blocked part?

I am right now clueless on how to go on. the shop I know specializes in modern machines and they are not interested by "old" stuff. I tried asking to restore it once and they simply said it is a non profitable business and they stopped. Still I must find a solution. I have to ask around. Maybe if I go there just with the element they might have a better clue where to redirect me. After all I am close to Munich so there must be someone able to help find the element there. By the way any directions on how to take the element out of it's home? It may be extremely easy but by now all is still invisible to me.

Looking forward to your reply. I will check the forum on sunday evening again. I will skype you as well. My skype ID is bramasole_pf .

Have a good day,

Pietro

[peacecup]

This bad girl just sold for US $500. Nice photos:







PC

[Steven Immel]

Nice condition, Peacecup--is it yours? Seems only to be missing the round "G"[aggia] drip pan plate. --Steven

[peacecup]

I'm sorry to say I didn't have 500 euros laying around. It really looks like an elegant and functional machine though. I love the scribe work and the bakelite handle shapes. The photo of the drip tray cover confirms this. Also, I hadn;t realized from the earlier photos that it had a pressure gauge. It really looks like someone made these machines. I think thats why I like old hand grinders so much - its really evident that someone put some effort into building and finishing them.

I'd like to hear a few words about the espresso that Gilda makes, and better yet a few photos.

PC

[Steven Immel]

Peacecup, it's not a pressure gauge but a temperature gauge. It's rather useless to know the pressure of the boiler as it's the temperature that determines the quality of the brew. Funny how so many companies went astray with mounting silly pressure gauges on their machines. I think this tells you alot about Gaggia as an inventor and innovator. --Steven