I've noticed a trend with vintage home espresso machine conditions based on location.
I wonder why older espresso machines I import from Europe of the same age appear in general worse condition than a similar machine locally and contemplated.

* Amount of use as the vintage machines in N.A. being low and have been somewhat novelty and put aside for decades.
* Attitude towards home espresso machines, as novelty could they have been babied in N.A. vs considered simply as a regular coffee machine in Europe.
* Storage of machines. Older damp environments vs more conditioned locations.
* Maybe imported machines are just older and therefore have more mileage.

As far as condition I'm referring to.
- quality of paint and general aesthetics of machine
- pitting both internal and external
- rusting at base level or trays

I understand that this maybe a generalization and so I stress by in large based both on machines I've purchased and machines I see for sale.
This is not a dig but more of an observation.
Hope it's not misinterpreted.

Having lived in Europe and on the coast, the sea salt and high humidity in those old homes can be a big factor. Also, I'm sure European machines have seen far more use than North American ones, at least until recently.

Good point regarding coastal locations and sea air. I'm sure that effects all metals regardless on which side of the pond.

Having lived in Europe and on the coast, the sea salt and high humidity in those old homes can be a big factor

Hi guys, I can't let it say, Europe is not a country, and all houses are not old and wet!!! We have internet, concrete, high-tech,etc... across the ocean you call us the old world, but don't worry, we're not savage, so maybe machines are just often olders than the ones wich came to US US latter...you have Airsteam trailers, we have coffee machines, for a long time...sorry if I'm out of purpose...

Bastien,

I think we have damp basements, attics and barns all over the world. The OP seems to be asking whether machines in locations with high humidity or where they are used everyday instead of rarely are likely to be affected by those conditions. Your point is that there are more old coffee machines to be found. I think that is correct, so older machines will be in a condition that is ... older.

Yes, that's the point, in a better english! Here in france, if you want to buy an airstream, to keep the exemple, you 'll find some, and in pretty great condition, because people who import it import well state trailers.And sell it at a much more expensive price than ones you can find in US, which produce so much of it.Same thing for the coffe machines in europe, especially France, Italy and spain, the three historical big producers...

Robert,
I think you're onto something. As a case in point, my sister has a 1995-ish La Pavoni that she has used once. She really has no intention to use it, but is not willing to sell it either, so it sits.

Show piece ! !

I wish I could say that. It's under the counter where no one can see it. I've made my pitch to find it a good home to the point I have to let it go.

Hmm, sounds like it's in need of a kidnapping of sorts.