The springs felt pretty good and it was smooth to pull the machine (although without water in the boiler the spring strength can tip forward a bit). It did not seem like they were rusted through or failing, and I think it's just surface rust on them.

I'm starting to move machines from the garage (well, as best as I can since it's just me at home right now). I can move the Rubino with the panels removed, but I got some pics in while moving it. The body panels are one assembly and pop off after taking off 10 screws (8 in front, two on side), of which I was missing one on the side.

Someone definitely serviced this machine. Looking at the date of the heating element it was probably in the late 1990's. They actually managed to remove the original element studs and replace them with bolts. The boiler lid was serviced with what looks like a modified boiler gasket from a different machine. I am pretty suspicious of the boiler lid, which I have seen to be made of aluminum on other Cimbali machines. I am about 70% confident it's aluminum and not the plated lid like on my Eleva, which really kind of sucks if I'm correct.







It's a pretty unusual looking machine, it looks crouched with the panels on. I love the patina, which I think contributes to its steampunk look. I would expect to see this guy hanging out on some airship. The missing bits also supports that idea too I think.

I'm pretty confident it's an acorn, but I have been confidently incorrect in the past

Its a blinged out Eleva.

it does in fact look remarkably similar to an Eleva!

I barely managed to move the Urania onto my cart for pics. It is dated from June 12 1956 on the boiler and June 1956 on the manometer. It has the cooling valves on the V groups, where a long tube behind the boiler can inject (relatively) cooler water into the groups if they are running hot. Unlike many of the other machines, this one is almost completely untouched and original.










This coiled tube failed at somepoint and will need to be repaired. It was definitely used on gas for a while. Wiring for a light is present but the light itself is missing. The boiler lid is made of iron so it will need replacing most likely.

Reading this entire thread has my heart beating faster! Thank your for your continued care of these machines, and also for sharing with us.

As an aside, I love taking worthwhile things apart, cleaning, refurbishing then reassembling. For me it's always a work of love where science & art fuse. For me, it's internally geared bike hubs & sewing machines!

I'm watching this thread for vicarious pleasure of seeing these machines return to function.

Thanks! I'm not sure when I'll get to any of them, but it could be in a few months or it could be tomorrow based on prior purchases.

I didn't show the Imposter President with the E61 glass in detail here, which I will do now. It's from 1962 and was refurbished in the past. I see teflon tape on all the boiler fittings including the thermosyphon ones (pretty impressive those were taken off actually). Some various screws and fittings were replaced or are missing, but overall it is in good enough condition to keep the exertior original and show its true age. A full teardown is probably still warranted. It has the big boiler, circa 8 liters I think.

This is the second hydraulic machine from the lot, a 1958 La Cimbali Gran Luce Automatica 2 group. It is one of the coolest machines I've ever seen. The hydraulic group casting inside also looks like one of the most complex valve blocks to service. I I am very excited to check it out later during disassembly. This is an early Gran Luce hydraulic because I don't believe anything past 1958 normally had a second manometer for the brewing water. The machine appears complete but with signs of long term use. The heating element is dated from 1987 and the boiler lids have multiple repair brazes. Unlike the Rubino, the boiler lids do in fact appear to be made of brass fortunately.










I think this is the first machine I'll be trying to restore just because I wanted to try a hydraulic machine. The asbestos was removed this week but the original fiberglass is still there.




The lights I've seen on other Gran Luces (the lever models) are green, but the Automatica has a red light

Wrapping up the lot is this circa 1959 Gaggia America two group. The exterior is in a well preserved original state but this machine was definitely worked on in the past. It appears to be complete sans one portafilter and am quite happy the plexi and original knob labels are in good shape. This machine is the heaviest of all the machines I think, and certainly requires two people to move around. I will not be working on this machine for a while as I decide what to do after the Cimbali Automatica is wrapped up.