Getting a COA registered

[Cygnus]

Arms were not granted ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD until the 15th century (hardly 1500 years ago) and the original purpose of "granting" arms (in England at least) had everything to do with collecting taxes and exerting control over the feudal system. No more. No less. It was never about recognizing one's merits or social standing.

It's not 3011? You are right, of course - I had originally entered "around the year 1,500" and, realizing this was wrong but not having a source on hand for the year that the office of Lord Lyon, King of Arms is first mentioned, I actually neglected to edit the number when I changed the sentence. Still, over 500 years is nothing to sneeze at.

[WVHighlander]

Wow. I didn't know my didn't know my question would cause such a stir. (I think I am bringing my "pot-stirring" karma over from another forum!)

However great discussions and insight into opinions. I can tell you that there are some very good US organizations that registers arms. In working on arms the one organization, Augustan Society, has a very similar process (note I said similar) to the official governments' process, insomuch as they ask your accomplishments and work with you on developing your arms. Much like Lord Lyon will take your suggestions and input, the Augustan will match you up with a person who is familiar with heraldry, work on your arms in order to insure they meet tradition/standard, and then it will go before a committee to insure its unique. Something to think about for those of you interested. I have nothing but good things to say about that organization. The only reason I haven't registered the arms developed with my "mentor" has been personal. ie I would like to have arms from Scotland.

As far as pretentiousness, I would only point out in a time where everyone is glued to the TV and fans of a monumental *** who replaces his lower teeth with diamonds....coats of arms seems pretty benign to highlight one's accomplishments and family values.

[macwilkin]

Wow. I didn't know my didn't know my question would cause such a stir. (I think I am bringing my "pot-stirring" karma over from another forum!)

However great discussions and insight into opinions. I can tell you that there are some very good US organizations that registers arms. In working on arms the one organization, Augustan Society, has a very similar process (note I said similar) to the official governments' process, insomuch as they ask your accomplishments and work with you on developing your arms. Much like Lord Lyon will take your suggestions and input, the Augustan will match you up with a person who is familiar with heraldry, work on your arms in order to insure they meet tradition/standard, and then it will go before a committee to insure its unique. Something to think about for those of you interested. I have nothing but good things to say about that organization. The only reason I haven't registered the arms developed with my "mentor" has been personal. ie I would like to have arms from Scotland.

As far as pretentiousness, I would only point out in a time where everyone is glued to the TV and fans of a monumental *** who replaces his lower teeth with diamonds....coats of arms seems pretty benign to highlight one's accomplishments and family values.

Have you also considered registering your arms with The Committee on Heraldry of the New England Historic Genealogical Society?

http://www.hereditary.us/her3.htm

T.

[WVHighlander]

I had, HOWEVER, after emailing them three times and NO RESPONSE I gave up on that option. I had similar issues with the American College of Heraldry and the American Heraldry Society. I began to think an active-duty, combat vet, officer, with multiple degrees etc didn't qualify for the US organizations.

[macwilkin]

I had, HOWEVER, after emailing them three times and NO RESPONSE I gave up on that option. I had similar issues with the American College of Heraldry and the American Heraldry Society. I began to think an active-duty, combat vet, officer, with multiple degrees etc didn't qualify for the US organizations.

A former member here, Scotus, had his arms registered with NEGHS several years ago with no issues. He and I used to be members of AHS, but left for similar reasons as you describe.

T.

[macwilkin]

Since you're in California, Spain would have been an option at one time, given that California was part of the Spanish Empire, but with the death of Don Vincente back in 2005, the Spanish Cronista de Armas is in a state of limbo.

T.

[macwilkin]

http://makepeace.ca/cha15.html

The Burgerwappen tradition de-emphasizes the distinction between citizen and non-citizen. Heraldic jurisdiction is seen as territorial. Anyone with a need to protect their arms in a place can register them there. Some countries open it up to anyone at all.

This has created a problem in South Africa only because the government subsidizes the creation and registration of arms. Americans, including this author, have swamped the Bureau of Heraldry with applications, creating a large and costly backlog.

The Canadian Heraldic Authority, by contrast, operates on a cost recovery basis. If Canada redefined arms as cultural or intellectual property it could begin designing and registering arms for Americans and other foreigners. Why get an expensive honorary devisal from England or wait years for South Africa to work through its backlog if Canada has a flexible and fully staffed office ready to create real arms for anyone?

With certificates in both English and French, the CHA could attract applications from all over the world. This would cost the Canadian government nothing but would create work and therefore employment for more Canadian heraldic artists and administrators.

Emphasis mine. Perhaps it's time to start lobbying the CHA?

T.