Getting a COA registered

[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.