Atomic Stovetop Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Made in Italy, retailed by Bon Trading Co., Sydney

A classic mid-century Atomic coffee maker, one of the most recognisable pieces of post-war Italian domestic design. The design is credited to Milanese designer Giordano Robbiati, with the patent granted in Italy in 1946, and the rounder form of the Atomic was produced from the 1950s until the factory closed in 1986. Like many appliances of the era, the Atomic was sold under several names, and Bon Trading of Australia was among the best-known re-branders, alongside Stella in Austria and Sassoon in the UK. Examples carrying the Bon Trading label were sold through the company's Woollahra, Sydney, NSW premises, making this a piece with a distinctly Australian provenance despite its Italian manufacture.

The machine has a sculptural body of polished aluminium, with a domed head sitting on a curved tubular arm that doubles as the water reservoir, a large black knob, a down-curved steam wand with its own tap, and a bulging circular base. The Bakelite knobs are typically black, while the steam knob is traditionally red. A removable filter holder with a black handle fits beneath the head, and the set is completed by a squat, bulbous aluminium jug with a short spout that sits on the base to catch the coffee.

In use, the Atomic sits directly on the stovetop. As the water heats, steam pressure pushes it through the ground coffee and into the jug, while the steam wand can be used to heat and froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It is worth noting for buyers that, strictly speaking, steam-driven makers like the Atomic cannot reach the 6 to 12 atmospheres of pressure needed for true espresso, so the result is a strong, rich stovetop brew rather than a café-style shot. Much of its appeal lies as much in its striking form as in the coffee it makes, and it remains highly collectable both as a working machine and as a display piece. 

Marked "Made in Italy" with Bon Trading Co. retailer's label