Historical information

This well-known Kew business, which would become known as The Model Dairy, was founded in 1863 by James Venn Morgan. Morgan sold the company in the 1890s to John Simonton who renamed the business The Model Dairy Co. Simonton had experience in the local dairying industry having previously leased the Willsmere Park Dairy. He moved the business to Belmont Avenue in c.1899. In 1924, following his retirement, the company expanded to become The Model Dairy Pty Ltd with Arnold Thompson Simonton and John Tanner as its owner/directors. With new techniques and processes such a pasteurisation, the Belmont Avenue site no longer met required standards for processing and bottling, so its operations moved to 191 Cotham Road. The company celebrated its centenary in 1963. A new factory, built in 1959 to a design by Bates, Smart & McCutcheon, was purchased by Bib Stillwell Motors after the dairy closed. The entire site has since been redeveloped.

Significance

Rare silver plate salver commemorating one of Kew's most famous businesses. The salver is one of a pair, identically engraved with Model Dairy 1963-1963.

Physical description

Hecworth reproduction old sheffield plate salver with foliate edge on three feet, with impressed maker mark on reverse rim and engraved with the words 'Model Dairy 1963-1963' in the centre of the reverse. "Heckworth Plate was made by Platers Pty Ltd at 39 Greeves St, St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria. Platers introduced 'Hecworth' Sheffield Reproduction Silverware in 1940 and in 1946 'Hecworth' was acquired by Rodd Pty Ltd." (MAAS)

Inscriptions & markings

MODEL DAIRY 1863 - 1963