Machine date: between 1950 and 1970 (?)
Country of origin : France
Country where purchased:France
Serial Number: 42
Power: Natural gas (Propane?)
Closed boiler
Spring lever
Tamper diameter: 58mm
Two double and two single portafilters.
Translated by Pascal from Seattle

épisode 1
épisode 2




It's been known for a while, among all the pals on the espresso forum http://espresso.1fr1.net/ , that the Vassal could not be the only machine using what was later found to be a BARRIER group. A few months ago a machine branded Nationale Lepine turned up. Absolutely identical, but under different brand name. 
Now it's the AE L'Automatic's turn to get my attention. AE was known to use the same group on a two group machine. 
Now we're dealing with yet another machine exactly like the Vassal and the Lepine.

Three identical machines, three differently badged machines, three unique examples. 
It's all as entertaining as it is odd.One could imagine running accross two Lepines and one Vassal or some other combination, but not three unique and different individual machines. Fate is playing games. 
As to how identical the machines actually are, one could say perhaps 97%, as there are some small details that differ slightly from one machine to the next.

These are the first three pictures I got to see, before deciding not to let this one slip away.


I confess I nearly had a cow at the sight of this machine.








AE AUTOMATIC, il n'existe que trois modèles connus. Et c'est très étrange, car sous trois marques différentes.
Marque Lépine chez Anthony, une Vassal chez moi et maintenant cette AE Automic.
Je pense vouloir envisager un échange contre une autre machine à levier.
Si vous êtes intéressé par plus de renseignements, veuillez m'envoer un mail.

AE AUTOMATIC There are only three known models. and it's very strange, that they are each branded differently.
Anthony has a Lepine, I have a Vassal and now this AE Automatic
I'm considering exchanging this for a different lever machine. If you'd like more information, please send me an email.

After a 550 kilometer round-trip, the machine is home.

One detail that had me thinking about an alternative solution- it seems the screen or fence, 

around the top of the machine, intended to contain cups placed there for pre-heating over the boiler, was missing.

Imagine my surprise when, upon removing a side panel, I found it stored inside!

Surprise, and relief that the machine is thus complete and original, without my resorting to some alternative solution, always problematic.


Near-twin sisters, side by side