Is this Heraldic?

[Dram]

Greetings,

Please forgive my rendering of this carving. This design was carved onto an oak panel of an old chest. It's an odd looking creature and although it looks like it may have some British characteristics it also seems like it has an Asian influence. Although, the heraldic dolphin to my eye looks a bit Asian as well. Is this just some made-up design or is it a symbol used in medieval times? Thanks for any info.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x276/Dram202/20130929_124039_zpsa4fe6316.jpg

[Dram]

And to clarify, I drew (rather poorly) the image as it appears on an oak panel.

[Chas]

In theory, Dram, everything can be a charge, but in practice, I would say no in this instance. It looks like no heraldic creature, I have ever seen.

Sorry.

[Dram]

Thanks for you response Chas. I haven't seen anything like it before either...rather ugly creature. I wonder if it is simply made up? When the carved chest arrives I'll have to actually take a picture of the panel and post again. I assume giving the other style of carving which is floral and that the chest is made of Oak that it is either English or American in origin however, I do wonder what inspired the maker to carve this unusual creature into the chest. Maybe it's a reproduction of some earlier work in the Victorian era.

[Chas]

Well, of course, all the heraldic mythical beasts were made up by somebody. If someone puts it on a shield or in a crest, then it becomes heraldic. Until then, it is just an idea waiting for its chance.

[Sir Didymous]

That's not one I have ever seen. Though, I am of limited exposure in terms of source material. I think it may just be one of those random beasties that shows up in medieval designs from time to time. An actual picture would be helpful though.