Assumed Arms

[David Thorpe]

I am in the process of assuming my own arms, and would like to express my thanks to two Xmarkers for their invaluable assistance in the effort. Harold Cannon piqued my interest in this fascinating field as I followed his posts on the subject. SlackerDrummer has very patiently guided me through the process, beginning with an impossibly naive concept and ending with a blazon suitable for registration. Along the way, he generously provided a series of vector drawings as the concept developed, which I partially screwed up with my own modifications.

I have submitted the blazon for registration with the United States Heraldry Registry and have no intention of petitioning the Lyon Court for Scottish arms. Thus the connection of my arms and the kilt are limited to the acknowledgement of the help gratefully received. When kilted, I will continue to proudly and happily wear the retainer's cap badge of my Chief's arms.

The blazon:

Arms: Argent, an oak tree eradicated and acorned proper, on a chief engrailed azure seven novae argent.
Crest: On a torse of the liveries, a bear's head couped proper between two branches of Eastern Red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana) proper.
Motto: “In Vi Gnaritatis Libertas” (In the strength of knowledge, freedom)

[saharris]

I like the arms! In the crest, I might personally opt for a demi-grizzly holding a branch of juniper – but that’s in the eye of the beholder.

As far as your motto is concerned, I will say that Gnaritas is a less-common word for knowledge, being of medieval origin; it is not necessarily incorrect, just uncommonly used. Scientia is much more common and of classical origin.

I might suggest “In Scientia Libertas” as “in knowledge, there is freedom” to express your sentiment.

If you’re feeling particularly philosophical, however, you could paraphrase the English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon, who famously wrote in 1597 “Ipsa Scientia Potentia Est” meaning “knowledge itself is power”. You could easily adapt Sir Francis to “Ipsa Scientia Libertas Est” as “knowledge itself is freedom”.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least let you know that there is no heraldic law requiring that your motto be in Latin, or in any other language that you do not speak. If you want your motto to be “In The Strength Of Knowledge, Freedom”, then let your motto be “In The Strength Of Knowledge, Freedom”. I’ve studied Latin for two decades and my motto is in English.

[David Thorpe]

Thank you for your comments (and for correcting my original Latin grammar).
I chose "gnaritas" over "scientia" because of the narrower modern association of "science" with technology.

[Mark Stephenson]

David,
Instead of assuming the arms, why not do more research and find out for sure...
Seriously - VERY nice. I will look forward to seeing your crest in person.

[Mudge]

Very nice indeed!!

[David Thorpe]

David,
Instead of assuming the arms, why not do more research and find out for sure...
Seriously - VERY nice. I will look forward to seeing your crest in person.

It's an ongoing process, Mark, with serious dead ends at this point in time. I'm hoping that Patrick's book will shed some light and possibly open some doors.

[Mike_Oettle]

Handsome, David!
Like Steven I wondered about your choice of crest-beast: is there some connection with your chief’s arms or crest, or do you just fancy the boar’s head?
But if it is what you want, it should be all right.
I am with you about not petitioning Lyon. Those with the money to do it, or who could claim arms similar to those of the clan chief, it might be advisable, but for you there does not seem to be any need.
The registry you are working with is private, and should you wish to have an official stamp of approval on your device you could approach the Bureau of Heraldry in Pretoria. But again there is no need (as a one-time boss of mine used to say, there is no cast-iron requirement for it).
Regards,
Mike

[Standard]

It looks very well thougth out. What was your reasoning behind the different elements that you chose, if you don't mind my asking. It is always interesting to know how/why a person chose what they did to represent themself.

[saharris]

Thank you for your comments (and for correcting my original Latin grammar).
I chose "gnaritas" over "scientia" because of the narrower modern association of "science" with technology.

Gnaritas means only “knowledge”.

If your intent is “technology” you could go with the more-or-less modern “Technologia”; or “Artificium” which my dictionary defines as “art/craft/trade; skill/talent/craftsmanship; art work; method/trick; technology”.

Personally, as a Latinist I still prefer “Scientia”

[David Thorpe]

Handsome, David!
Like Steven I wondered about your choice of crest-beast: is there some connection with your chief’s arms or crest, or do you just fancy the boar’s head?

Thank you, Mike.
The bear was an essential element of my original concept for several purely personal reasons, among them to portray fierce protection of my family and the often solitary work of scholarship.