Hello Todd, could you elaborate how the replica doesn't fit? Maybe with pictures?

My pleasure: {link}

May I dare to ask, why you intend to powdercoat the frame of a never used machine?

I think it might be the o-ring-version. I have a similar setup on a Swiss Mercurio with Gaggia-group: {image} {image} {image}

Yes, I'm sure that those specialized on Austrian market had this option. And Schaerff sold a lot of relabeled Carimali-machines at that time

The wine option wasn't all that rare in Austria at that period of time! I've also seen vintage espressomachines in Austria (an Eterna in particular) with an external electrical immersion heater for the same purpose. And personally I use my steam wand regularly during winter to heat up the childrens ...

The video was about investment. There was no information on the fact, that sometimes a "like new" restoration is not only killing the historic worth of a machine but also significantly lowers its economic worth. I wouldn't want one of those rechromed blings with sandblasted boilers

Ryan, is the boiler endplate made of iron or brass?

Ryan is right, we've discussed that piece on kaffee-netz a while ago and the check-tool is also showed in this thread: {link}

It is always such a pleasure to watch a perfectionist doing things! Absolutely stunning!