The pipe going to the sightglass fitting measures the system pressure, and the gas regulator adjusts the gas flame to keep boiler pressure stable, just like a pressurestat does in an electric system.
I know what you mean about chrome, and trying to judge the condition online.I think the group top cap on the faema is alloy, same as the middle block.Both of them polish up well usually, the bottom part of the group is chromed brass.I always try to polish first, and then judge the condition, if its too far gone or the brass is showing thru, i'll usually re-chrome.
The Lambro shown above is my new project, i already have another Lambro, although that was bought already restored - i really like them, and have always wanted to restore one.At the moment i'm not feeling quite so great about them, after battling with the rusted bolts and aluminium boiler rings That is one of the downsides of restoring a faema - the boiler rings and bolts will most likely be fused together.

Anyone who can comment on the coffee from the old Faemas vs. the Empress? Of course a head to head comparison is only for the few privileged with an espresso machine park or museum, but maybe some of you who at some time have tried the different machines could chime in
Ulrik

Hi Ulrikmo,

The heating element is still available:

https://ssl.kundenserver.de/tricambi.de...cle_id=129 (#102649, 1500W)
http://www.nuova-ricambi.de/shop/de/516247-22
http://www.espressomaschinendoctor.de/E...15565.html

or do you need 110V?

The boiler is only 3,5 liters. But it is the same element as used in the Faema 5L boilers.