I've taken on another restoration/rebuild project... the last was my Pasquini Livietta (Oly Max) which continues to impress me with the coffee that it makes. This time, I had a go at the Cremina that Jim at 1st-Line was auctioning off. I have a feeling that more people didn't bid on it because it had no serial number plate. I even had to confirm with Jim that it had its original power plug (wasn't a 220V machine in disguise...) - all good there.

So here it is, and I'm hoping that some of the Cremina experts can help me get a feeling of how old this one may be.






Thanks to all who can help me out here. My plan is to get it painted, and see about getting some parts re-chromed (the group-head is pretty scratched and scuffed). I'll also change all the gaskets and seals that need it (Jim said he did some to get it functional again...). Pictures showing progress to come.

Case color and badge..1975 or before...European market.
Face plate, switch style....1982 or later
Red water tube...1983 or later
Plated boiler, no asbestos...1983 or later
Portafilter spouts...mid 70s
Pf and lever grips with ridges...pre 1981

there is some variation at the 1982/3 model break, and of course parts swaps to consider.

Thanks Doug! I also pinged you at OE to ask about the type of boiler-cap gasket I need to order.

So it seems I may have a Frankenstein-machine. It does work well, and the inside of the boiler looks great - no scale build-up. By the wear where the lever yoke meets the group-head, I'm guessing that it has seen a decent amount of use... and yet it's clear there is plenty of life left in it.