Process of Receiving Arms from South Africa

**WVHighlander** · 5th June 12, 06:12 PM

Here is my blazen as it will appear in the South African gazette...

ARMS: Argent, a bear rampant Sable, armed and langued Gules, between three boar’s heads erased Azure, armed Argent, placed two and one, all within a double tressure thistle-counter thistle Gules.

CREST: A stallion rampant Argent.

WREATH AND MANTLING: Sable and Argent.

MOTTO: FORTUNAM MEAM FACIO

**creagdhubh** · 5th June 12, 06:19 PM

Sounds great! Congratulations, mate.

Cheers,

**Mike_Oettle** · 6th June 12, 01:57 PM

A handsome coat of arms, my West Virginian friend.
I did wonder about the crest, since a full-size beast (in this instance, horse) is harder to recognise than its head, but that is your choice.
Regarding the colouring of the motto, in British (and South African) heraldry, this is a matter of personal choice or fancy. However in some jurisdictions not only the colouring but even the typeface may be prescribed.
As for bribing a customs officer . . . although bribes are all too common in South Africa’s bloated government service, the Bureau is entirely unconnected with the Customs service (now a branch of the SA Revenue Services), and I have yet to hear of anything untoward in Marcel van Rossum’s office.
Regards,
Mike

**WVHighlander** · 8th June 12, 09:40 AM

Mike,

Thank you for the compliment. Marcel stated that this was a "one of a kind" coat of arms, which I was very pleased to hear.
I will one of the first to speak on the complete professionalism of Marcel van Rossum and the S.A. Bureau. He has been fantastic and in constant communication with me. (He is also trying to talk me into taking a trip and do some archery hunting in the S.A. bush.)

Cheers,

John

**WVHighlander** · 18th June 12, 11:49 PM

Here is the S.A. gazette where both Mike Oettle and my arms are published....

http://www.info.gov.za/view/Download...tion?id=165042

**Mike_Oettle** · 19th June 12, 05:53 AM

Thank you, WVH.
Regards,
Mike

**creagdhubh** · 19th June 12, 07:32 AM

Again, a heartfelt congratulations to you both! Now, on to the bespoke silver circlets, crests, et al!

Best wishes,

**Gael Ridire** · 23rd June 12, 04:53 PM

Very beautiful! I agree with Rathdown on having the horse crined and unguled. Better contrast. Wish I had done this with my crest which is all or.

**WVHighlander** · 24th June 12, 09:50 PM

I really thought about it, but I wanted some similarity between mine and the Chief's. I almost went with the horse passant like his, but decided on the rampant to denote/symbolize some military aspects.

**WVHighlander** · 28th July 12, 01:24 PM

I've received my official letter from S.A. stating that my arms have not been contested. I can't wait to get the final cert and painting! I hope Mike received his letter as well.