The latest addition to the horse-drawn vehicle collection at the Millicent National Trust Museum has definite vice-regal connections.

A 111-year-old harness was donated by Adelaide resident Rose Williams.

There is no doubting the harness was used by horses attached to Government House in Adelaide and they may have even had a royal passenger or two.

Horse-drawn vehicle restorer Peter Foster OAM sourced the harness and is working on its restoration and provenance.

“The harness has an English pattern and was possibility made in South Australia,” Mr Foster said.

“It is made of black leather with numerous brass Commonwealth coats of arms.

“Primarily, the harness is used for a team of four horses but it can be used for a pair.

“There is a photograph in the State Library of South Australia collection which shows the harness being used by a pair of horses and pulling the Government House landau carriage.”

He said the photograph was taken in around 1912 with the then Governor on board.

“The harness was recently reviewed by Wayne Matten who is a saddler and harness maker at Strathalbyn,” Mr Foster said.

“He identified it as the same harness as he had seen as a teenager 20 years ago.

“His uncle and fellow saddler/harness maker Les Matten was later to repair the harness.

“Although in poor condition, after careful and informed restoration in the hands of the museum’s dedicated leather worker Mary Pappin, the harness will be a centrepiece display item.

“The restoration should take around a year to complete.”

Ms Pappin began her association with the Millicent National Trust Museum in 2014 when a work-for-the-dole program was operating.

She is proud of the collection of horse-drawn vehicles at Millicent and keen to play a role in their restoration.

“I find it enjoyable and I take pride in my work,” Ms Pappin said.