Hi everyone! I hope this is the right place to ask.
My grandfather recently passed away, and he left us his collection of vintage espresso machines. This one is the largest and most eye–catching piece. We would love to keep it, but we don’t really have a way to care for it or display it properly — so we want to make sure it goes to someone who truly values and understands what it is.
We know it is a vintage Gaggia machine, possibly from the 1950s–1960s, with a copper/brass body, beautiful ornamental details, and the eagle on top. It looks like a professional lever machine for bars/cafés, not a domestic one. But we are not sure of the exact model or the proper market value.
What I would love help with:
✅ Identifying the exact model and approximate year ✅ Estimating its fair value in the collectors market ✅ Recommendations about where and how to sell it (preferably to collectors)
It has been stored for years and would probably need a proper restoration, but it seems complete and visually stunning. We are located in Mexico but willing to ship internationally if that’s the best option.
Attaching photos below — any information, guidance, or contacts would be incredibly appreciated. ❤️ We really want this to find a good home!
Thanks in advance!
by Celery_333
14 Comments
This could be a Leica post. it’s awesome
I think something like ChatGPT could be helpful to you here
You could try reaching out to the Bakke Coffee Museum. They buy and collect machines just like this
https://www.bakkecoffeemuseum.com/contact-9
Looks like a Gaggia Orione. They were made from 1961-ish to the 70s I believe
It also has a use as a Time Machine. No!, It’s true! A friend of mine had one and we went back in time…watched the dinosaurs and had some Flat Whites. Now that I think about it, I think we had coffee. We might have made espressos out of hash. Can’t remember.
I always think of the Tom Hanks movie with a machine like that where he’s just shaking it.
It’s beautiful.
Would love to know more about the other machines you inherited.
This one unfortunately is not as awesome as it seems.
The Gaggia levers are a pain in the butt to maintain and a bit of a black art.
The large glass thing is an old hotel group (bulk coffee brew). They are hard to find and I have never found parts for them.
The steam wands on this unit do not age well and should be upgraded.
I would guess this would require at least 1,000USD to get proper. This in perfect condition would likely fetch $800 at most.
Reach out to Kent Bakke in Seattle Coffee Museum and he maybe interested
Very cool
Cette machine est superbe ! Les équipements vintage ont tellement de caractère. Quel genre de conseils cherchez-vous ?
What an absolute beauty!
Add a PID controller. 😛
That is very cool
Screw the Gaggia Classic, I want a Classic Gaggia