Historical information

A separator is a centrifugal device that separates milk into cream and skimmed milk. Separation was commonly performed on farms in the past. Most farmers milked a few cows, usually by hand, and separated milk with a hand operated machine for domestic use. The milk was poured into the bowl on the top and the handle had to then be turned fast enough to get the separator up to speed adequate to separate the cream and the milk. The milk would come out of one spigot and the cream out of the other.

In general practice some of the skimmed milk was consumed by the family, while the rest may have been used to feed calves and pigs. Enough cream was saved to make butter, and the excess was sold. In many cases excess could be bartered or swapped with neighbours for other items of produce.

LISTER - A prominent make of separator which became very popular with the dairy farmer, was the "Lister" separator. The early separators sold by R. A. Lister in the 1880's, were made by "Koefoed & Hauberg", Copenhagen. Denmark, called the "Alexandria". Ashton Lister became the sole agent for Koefoed & Hauberg made separators in England and all the English Colonies, throughout the world. Being an enterprising salesman, Ashton, sent his son Edward on a three-year sales tour of Australia & New Zealand in 1890, (hence the strong presence of Lister in Australia.)
Initially, the separator was totally manufactured in Denmark and assembled in Dursley, England. By 1892 Lister were making parts at their Victorian Iron Works, and around about the early 1900's, Lister began manufacturing separators in their own right, severing ties with Koefoed & Hauberg. The Lister firm is still going today, under the name of Lister Petter, England, but do not manufacture separators, as the manufacture of farm / domestic separators ceased in the early 1960's.

Significance

This item is significant as it is representative of domestic and dairying machinery used throughout rural areas of Australia in the early to mid 20th century.

Physical description

The separator is made in 3 sections. The base is metal plated with blue enamel. The vat is made from silver painted tin. There are 2 outlet spouts. The detachable handle, made from cast iron and wood, is held in place by a screw. A metal plate featuring the manufacturer information is attached to the side of the handle. Model CR 15 hand operated table version.

Inscriptions & markings

On metal plate attached to handle" Lister/ MADE BY R. A. LISTER & Co.LTD. / AT DURSLEY ENGLAND / VICTORIAN AGENTS / GIPPSLAND & NORTHERN CO-OP/ CO. LTD. / MELBOURNE C.1"