Quote Originally Posted by WVHighlander View Post
So the bottom line question is this: "If I assume a Coat of Arms and register it with an American institution can I wear my crest with an eagle feather in a bonnet at Clan events?"
Lord Lyon Sellers has recently advised the chiefs that who may, or may not wear feathers is really at their discretion. Since feathers denote a following, custom has dictated that the chief has three, chieftains and barons two, and gentlemen of the clan, one feather. Historically "gentleman of the clan" has come to mean any armiger, and by custom this really means an armiger with arms from the Lord Lyon.

In the real world, feathers indicated how many armed men you could bring to the clan levy in time of war. Since clans are rarely called to battle these days, some chiefs have started allowing feathers to those folks who lead the various branches of their clan societies scattered around the world.

So, the short answer would seem to be that if you wish to wear a feather in your bonnet at clan events, you should seek the permission of your chief.