New Scottish Cunningham Armiger

**English Bloke** · 7th March 11, 11:13 PM

Nice one Alex. I am most impressed and have my cap suitably doffed. I'll shall get the juices in should we manage to link up in Dumfries later this month. Hope you have a grand time in Canada too.

**creagdhubh** · 10th March 11, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Once the client and the heraldic authority (in this instance the Lord Lyon) have agreed on the design of the arms a Warrant may issued to the client. Warrants are a precis of the text of the letters patent and include the blazon of the arms; rarely do they have an exemplification of the arms (ie: a coloured picture of the shield, etc.). They authorize the client to begin use of the arms thereon described as and from the date of the warrant.

A copy of the text of the full letters patent, including the blazon, is then sent to the herald painter who will eventually prepare the actual letters patent. This process can take from a few weeks to nearly a year depending upon the work load of the herald painter, as well as the complexity of the letters patent. Once the Harold Painter begins work hand lettering and a simple exemplification of the arms takes about 2-3 weeks; if fancy borders and other artwork has been requested, the time (and cost!) becomes greater.

When the letters patent do arrive it is a cause for celebration, popping a few corks, and deciding which wall will display the document. I'm sure Alex is savouring the moment, as indeed he should!

Yes indeed! Well said Scott! Hear hear!