An impressive number of folks easily figured out the mystery machine and after some searching it appears that this a much more iconic device than I thought when it came out of storage. It is an Atomic Coffee Machine designed by Giordano Robbiati of Milan, Italy. The one in our house is a later model than the 1946 design (original patent below) and boasts a number of improvements such as the frother on the side and the pressure gauge on the top. Turns out this beautifully designed item has quite a fanbase and can fetch somewhere between $500-$1,000!

My father brought this dusty old machine out of storage last night and I would be impressive if anyone could guess what it is.

Three vague hints: it’s from the 1970s, has instructions written up on a typewriter by the former owners and requires no electricity.

Answer coming soon…