Historical information

This bottle was manufactured for the Lady Talbot Milk Institute. The Institute was initiated circa 1900 by Lady Talbot wife of Sir Reginald Arthur James Talbot, Governor of Victoria (1904 to 1908). From 1908 the Lady Talbot Milk Institute provided "pure" unpasteurized cows milk to specific mothers throughout Victoria. Similar bottles were filled with Specially Supervised "Nursery Milk". The reason for establishing this specialised nursing milk was to reduce the high mortality rate of infants(not on breast milk) in the early 1900s due to contaminated milk supplies. Pasteurized milk became available after World War II which ensured that milk consumed by infants (not able to obtain breast milk) was free from any contaminants.

Significance

Bottled milk distributed by the Lady Talbot Milk Institute was used by specific mothers of infants in lieu of breast milk. As this requirement was throughout Victoria some nursing mothers within the Kiewa Valley and in the SEC Company town of Mount Beauty needing this service were covered. The establishment(Circa 2000) of breast milk supply from donor mothers throughout Australia has replaced the fundamental product initiated by the Talbot Milk Institute. The slogan "Breast is best" initiated by the Nursing Mothers Association is one of the major supporters of the mother's milk bank supplies.

Physical description

One pint wide necked refillable glass milk bottle.
Chipped rim and base.

Inscriptions & markings

Side 1 MILK Embossed
Contents
Not less than One Pint
(This bottle cannot be legally used or sold by others)
This bottle is the property of the Caulfield Model Farm
To be washed and returned
Side 2 Embossed circular logo with a cross in the centre
Surrounded by brand name Lady Talbot Milk Institute
Specially Supervised Nursery Milk
Base, 62