Date of the machine : 70/80
(see here)
 Origin of the machine : Spain 
Country of purchase : Spain
 Serial number : 1091
Power :  W
Closed boiler, manual return lever
Tamper size : 49,5mm
1 filter 2T, 1 filter 1T		      
                                                                                           
Translated by Happy

Still one of these numerous machines which I am used to seeing.
Not that much though, since this one is really little common on the Internet.
A little picture on Francesco's website, 2/3 related topics on US boards and... that's pretty much all to be found.

In fact, I was persuaded that it was an Europiccola clone.
I wasn't wrong that much actually, because that's a fact for the first Marcfi's model.
Anyway, according to myself I knew that I would have to pick one, someday.


This one looked pretty much in good condition and moreover, an unusual model with its pyramidal lid.
A few words to haggle and later on we closed the deal.
I really, really don't regret it !






Concerning this machine, information is vague. On Francesco's website, here is what can be read about :
" The production of domestic lever machines is limited approximately to the period 1965-1975 or even less
 and is estimated to be about 5000 units for Europiccola and the same for the Graziella, including the machines marked La Cara"

And according to Roger, this model would be the third marcfi's mini-model.The second (tipify Pavoni) finishing in 76/77 and the end of
Marcfi's mini-levers in 1983, we can thus think that this model has been made between 1977 and 1983.

"Voilà", if only Marcfi would dare give me an answer now...To be continued, I hope.
The advertisement.
We do not see everything,
at this moment I didn't know how was
placed the steam wand nor the safety valve.
It looks neat and I know that It works on 220V...





The arrival, always as a kid, can't wait to unpack.





It's the winter and It's cold, In carrier's trucks as well.






Machine's discovery, I go from a surprise to another.

  

The steam wand is on a side and penetrates
into the tank ?!		 Attractive logo on the front.
 No safety valve on this machine ?!







Graziella's "underwear" is impeccable.
The harmonious whole, premium quality materials, nice finish.		 Its serial number.
Will this help me to retrieve
some more information ?
I e-mailed Marcfi on this subject... So I hope.







Here is the bassinelle's grid.

The cap shines.


 Two filters, simple and double.
And, the original tamper !!!




First noticed originality, this cap. The safety valve is integrated into this one with four small holes all around.
At first heating, it really surprises ! a stunning "pchiouuu" loudly escape while reaching security temperature.
Then we get used to it.









While posting photos on the state more than remarkable of the bottom, my buddy Geoffrey intrigued
about the location of the heating element and it is sk60 who brought me the solution by supplying
me a weblink where all the machine was detailed during its restoration.










Having removed delicately the lid, we can indeed notice that the heating element terminals are at the top!
And thus this one dives through all the boiler.
The boiler, itself, is locked into a trunk made of chrome-plated metal.
It is a double heating element. The top of the boiler is in a funnel's shape, in order to hold a minimum the water escaping from the safety valve,
then it evaporates naturally,
 the boiler being warmer.
At this time, it spits a few moments by the small holes of the cap before passing into the vapor state.
Then, as an Europiccola 1st generation, we purge the saturated water vapor, then lets take back the pressure by switching heating mode from maximum to minimum.

The big fragility with this model is a possible water run-off between the boiler and the trunk, what obviously would bring a water stagnation's situation on basis bottom,
so you get the picture... it is thus preferable to fill this machine using a funnel.









The two switchers.
It misses the "minimo" inscription.		 The two filters, that's to believe that they've never been used ! It is necessary to be all eyes with the voltage,
 because in Spain there are still places
 where machines use the old 125V.



 
In the daytime and at night it works, but another big peculiarity is the ability to connect it to the town water supply.
It is the first machine of this kind, as far as I know, on which this system is originally implemented.
Not all "Graziellas" are provided with it. Here we see the closing bolt below.
I got this confirmation by R.Barrett, an American connoisseur of these small machines.
I greet him here, for his kindness to have spending time explaining this to me.








Many peculiarities, for a pleasant and attractive machine.






And which has an undeniable family resemblance with those whom you know.
And what about one of its firsts shots !




It is certainly about luck. That of the beginner who found the exact "window" to launch the extraction,
but it demonstrates that if you are attentive, careful, by using high quality seeds and a good quality grinder as well,
everything is possible with any of the machines...
Well almost, but I am convinced of it.




Frankly, beautiful machine, isn't it ?

The final touch to my friend Geoffrey,
whom i thank for these labels.