Faema Urania Coffee Machine, 2-group Lever-operated, Circa 1955–1960

An iconic piece from postwar bars: a Faema Urania professional two-group lever-operated espresso machine, manufactured by Officine FAEMA in Milan around 1955–1960. The final model in Faema’s famous “planetary” series, the Urania is the direct predecessor of the legendary E61.

All the charm of 1950s Italian design: a front panel featuring a black-and-white harlequin pattern on a gold background with the FAEMA medallion, a chrome body with fluted sides, gold-plated aluminum trim, and a large, wavy-shaped cup warmer dome made of frosted Plexiglas.

It has retained its original details: the manufacturer’s plaque “Officine FAEMA Milano, via Ventura 5” (serial number M 01/1055), pressure gauge, “Massimo / Minimo” water level indicator, “Carico / Scarico” valve, and “Attenzione” warning label in Italian. It still bears the label of its distributor, Paul Bellantonio, a supplier of hotel supplies in Millau (Aveyron).

A distinctive piece for a bar, restaurant, kitchen, or collection.

Condition: machine in its original state, unrestored, functionality not verified. Signs of wear, scratches on the chrome and dome, dirty interior. Sold “as is” as a decorative item: a complete overhaul by a specialist is essential before any attempt to put it back into service.

Dimensions: width 68 cm, depth 51 cm, height 66 cm at the top of the dome (73 cm including levers), approximately.

On display at the Le Chineur du Passé Simple shop in Vayrac (Lot).