Historical information

Hames are attached to a horse collar used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wood pieces, called hames, to which the traces, which attach to the wagon or plough, of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling.
This pair of hames would have been used on a farm in the Orbost district.

Significance

Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.

Physical description

A pair of horse hames, iron shaped over a wood frame and linked together by a metal chain and hook. Each has a hook attached and a ring at the end held by string,

Inscriptions & markings

WARRANTED
SWAN BRAND
FORGED