Historical information

Milk separators like this one were used on farms and dairies from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century. They enabled small-scale producers to efficiently separate cream from whole milk shortly after milking. Robinson & Co. was a prominent manufacturer of dairy and agricultural equipment in Australia and the UK. This model is likely from the early 20th century and would have been a key piece of equipment on a mixed farm or small dairy operation. Its manual crank operation suggests it predates widespread electrification.
Val WEBB's families. The OLIVER's from Grass Flat. Used it for the family to separate skim milk from cream.

Physical description

A cast metal tabletop milk separator, manufactured by Robinson & Co., featuring a large cylindrical cream bowl mounted above a hand-operated centrifuge unit. The separator is supported by a heavy three-legged base, one of which is wide and flattened for stability. A spout and crank handle are attached at the mid-section, used to turn the internal drum and separate cream from milk by centrifugal force. The entire unit shows considerable wear, with patches of original green and red paint still visible on the upper housing and extensive rust and corrosion on exposed metal parts.

Inscriptions & markings

"Robinson & co
Agricultural Implement Makers
Spotswood, VIC"