Historic decanters and separators

Alfa Laval - Junior 12

Identification and Technical Specifications

Thanks to the brass identification plate mounted on the machine body, we can accurately read its original technical specifications:

  • Manufacturer: Società Alfa-Laval
  • Branch Office: Via Farneti, 5 – Milan (Loreto/Buenos Aires district)
  • Model: Junior No. 12 (identified as J12 on the identification plate)
  • Capacity/Hourly Throughput: 130 litres of milk per hour (and consequently 130 litres of whey)
  • Operating Speed: 60 crank revolutions per minute.

Note: Inside the machine body is a gear multiplication system. By turning the crank at a steady rate of one revolution per second, the internal drum reached several thousand revolutions per minute, using centrifugal force to separate the cream (lighter) from the skimmed milk (heavier).

Estimated Age (Dating)

The Alfa-Laval "Junior" model was a tremendous worldwide success and remained in production, with various cosmetic and material updates, for several decades.

  • Estimated period: 1930s–1950s.
  • Details supporting the dating:
    • The presence of the upper aluminum (or light-alloy) bowl and spouts, rather than stainless steel or heavy tinned brass components, suggests production during the mid-20th century.
    • The glossy light-blue finish is the classic original Alfa-Laval paint scheme of the period.
    • The address at Via Farneti 5 in Milan corresponds to the historic headquarters of the Italian branch before the major industrial relocations that followed World War II.

Condition

The machine is in excellent original preserved condition:

  • Paintwork: The light-blue paint is original, featuring beautiful decorative details and raised gold lettering that remain perfectly legible ("Alfa-Laval Junior N.12"). It shows only minor and expected signs of wear around the base.
  • Components: It is complete with its original crank fitted with a wooden handle, the upper collection bowl with its internal float/regulator, and the two outlet spouts (one for cream and one for skimmed milk). It even includes the original disassembly wrench resting inside the bowl.

Market and Collectible Value

Alfa-Laval cream separators are highly sought after by collectors of rural antiques, vintage industrial equipment, and enthusiasts of rustic-chic and industrial-style interior décor.