Westfalia - GA 50
Brand and Model
Technical Characteristics
The machine differs clearly from the Alfa Laval models due to the typical German aesthetic of the period, massive, square and finely finished:
Capacity/Flow rate: The model code 50 indicates an hourly flow rate of 50 litres of milk per hour. It is a smaller machine than the previous two, ideal for a strictly domestic setting (the classic rural family with one or very few cows/goats).
Operating speed: 60 crank turns per minute, as indicated on the casting of the crank itself ("60 PR. MIN.").
Aesthetics and Finishes: The black cast-iron body is enriched by a gold "Greek key" motif (a classic geometric pattern) placed just below the drum housing, and by the beautiful embossed gold-coloured branding.
State of preservation: Excellent. The original glossy paint is perfectly preserved and the upper aluminium/alloy bowl is clean and free of holes. The swivelling outlet spouts are also in place.
Historical Value and Positioning
Historical Value
Westfalia (founded in 1893 as Remsfeld & Wegener, later becoming Westfalia Separator and today part of the industrial giant GEA Group) was the historic and fierce German rival of Swedish Alfa Laval in the race for centrifugal separation. While Alfa Laval machines were very widespread among medium-sized businesses in Italy (thanks to the historic branches in Milan), the small German Westfalia units were imported or purchased for their proverbial mechanical reliability and compactness. This "GA 50" model is a perfect example of precision engineering applied to the everyday needs of rural life at the time.
Position in Collecting
This piece boasts remarkable aesthetic appeal: the contrast between the glossy black base, the gold decorative Greek-key motifs and the cleanliness of the upper metal parts makes it an extraordinary decorative or collector's item. Westfalia models of this size and with these decorations are slightly less common on the Italian market compared to the classic regional Alfa Laval units, which makes it a gem for industrial antique enthusiasts.
Fun Facts
The decorative "Greek key": Unlike Alfa Laval, which favoured a bare, unadorned industrial design or simple lettering, Westfalia tended to "embellish" household appliances and manual domestic machines by adding gold friezes, making them objects almost worth proudly displaying in the kitchen.
The modern change of course: Just like its Swedish rival, Westfalia abandoned farms over the course of the 20th century to specialise in marine and industrial separators. Today the huge centrifuges derived from this brand purify fuel on transoceanic cargo ships or filter beer in large industrial breweries.