ID this Conti

[Paul]

Hi All,

Does anyone know the model name and perhaps year of my Conti (at the top of the page):

http://plwillmottdalton.googlepages.com/retroespressonz

This is on the water at the moment. I have bought it as a restoration project.

Cheers

Paul

[mogogear]

Hi All,

Does anyone know the model name and perhaps year of my Conti (at the top of the page):

http://plwillmottdalton.googlepages.com/retroespressonz

This is on the water at the moment. I have bought it as a restoration project.

Cheers

Paul

Ahhh, So you bought the gaggia American in the center( in Australia I think)????? It was a very nice looking machine from the photos on ebay. Bill or Dr. jim could tell you about the "stirrup "levered Conti.... Empress I think- Predecessor to the Prestina type handle. but I will defer

Nice collection there paul

[Paul]

Nah, couldn't afford the Australian gaggia. Surely they can't be worth USD9500?? Got my fellow from Italy instead.

[another_jim]

I've had word that the Conti is from the "Empress" series.

[Paul]

thanks Jim,

next challenge is to find out if Conti changed their 58mm lever group over the years and buy some seals.

cheers
Paul

[mogogear]

thanks Jim,

next challenge is to find out if Conti changed their 58mm lever group over the years and buy some seals.

cheers
Paul

Ascaso in Spain stocks a dispersion screen and a piston ring ( 66mm OD x 61mm ID) That is all I see with them( I have their parts catalogue on CDROM). here in the states you might try http://www.moschetti.com and see what they have. They are the Conti distr. based in California. They even have a 1970 or so all Brass Prestina in their used inventory...

[bill]

Paul,
The lever group on the Prestina models made in the 70s and 80s is the same as on the current Classica series. I don't know about yours but Edith at Conti can probably tell you. You can order parts for it from the Conti factory. Send an email to Edith Godlin; she's been a big help to me. I did just send her the photo of your machine to see if she could verify it's an Empress, but I think Jim is correct. Edith was even able to send me a few parts for the Prestina besides the group parts; gasket sets for the steam and water valves and some other small parts.

[Paul]

thanks Bill

It didn't occur to me to contact Conti directly. I have enquired at cimbali and carimali in the past about old machines without much joy.

cheers

Paul