Help identify this clan crest

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Saw this crest on ebay. The motto is 'Air muir's air tir' which I believe is the gaelic version of the latin 'Per mare per terras' which is generally accepted as one of the clan macdonald mottos'.
I know the new Keppoch chief uses the gaelic version but the centre piece arm brandishing a sword has me stumped for any possible MacDonald connection other than it is similar to Clanranald.
Anyone any suggestions?

I may be in error, but I believe that may be the badge of Count Randal MacDonnell of the Glens, Mac Iain Mor, chief of his clan.

[Eck]

Hi MacMillan of Rathdown - Interesting, can you direct me to any link or whatever that suggests this connection that I may pursue it further?
Thanks
Eck

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Hi MacMillan of Rathdown - Interesting, can you direct me to any link or whatever that suggests this connection that I may pursue it further?
Thanks
Eck

Actually Randal's crest is an arm embowed holding a cross crosslet fitchee-- so I am sorry to say that I misled in my original posting.

[creagdhubh]

I have checked a complete, visual listing of all the clan badges that APS currently has in production, and this particular badge is not amongst the collection, however, judging by how the badge looks, it is most definitely made by APS. I am definitely perplexed, and very interested to figure out the provenance of the crest and motto!

Cheers,

[Eck]

Hi everyone who has shown an interest and puzzled like me, thanks for your input.
Kyle, you have given me an idea. As it is very similar to an AP product and indeed may have been manufactured by them, I have emailed the company and asked if they can help identify the badge. Lets hope they can solve the mystery.
Will update once I get a response
Regards
Eck (Alex)

[Tim Little]

Hi everyone who has shown an interest and puzzled like me, thanks for your input.
Kyle, you have given me an idea. As it is very similar to an AP product and indeed may have been manufactured by them, I have emailed the company and asked if they can help identify the badge. Lets hope they can solve the mystery.
Will update once I get a response
Regards
Eck (Alex)

Ah, Eck's already on the case!

[creagdhubh]

Hi everyone who has shown an interest and puzzled like me, thanks for your input.
Kyle, you have given me an idea. As it is very similar to an AP product and indeed may have been manufactured by them, I have emailed the company and asked if they can help identify the badge. Lets hope they can solve the mystery.
Will update once I get a response
Regards
Eck (Alex)

Excellent idea, Alex, well done. APS, the company itself, is actually located in East Kilbride, where you hail from...how ironic! Perhaps you could take a bit of a stroll down to the APS manufacturing plant?! Just kidding, mate!

Cheers,

[Tim Little]

I have checked a complete, visual listing of all the clan badges that APS currently has in production, and this particular badge is not amongst the collection, however, judging by how the badge looks, it is most definitely made by APS. I am definitely perplexed, and very interested to figure out the provenance of the crest and motto!

Cheers,

Do you think APS would respond to an inquiry? Do they make "one-off" items?

[creagdhubh]

Do you think APS would respond to an inquiry? Do they make "one-off" items?

Yes, I think APS would respond. I have never heard of them making bespoke clan badges, but you never know. Alex's findings will be very interesting, I am sure.

Cheers,

[SlackerDrummer]

Fairbairn's Book of Crests of the Families of Great Britain and Ireland lists the following names as using the motto "Per mare, per terras" - which is the Latin equivalent.

Alexander, Courtayne, Darley, Drummond, Dupre, Durham, Lamb, Macalister, M'Alister, Macdonald, M'Donald, Madconnell, M'Eachern, M'Eachran, Macelester, Piessf, Rutherford, Rutherfurd, Urquhart, Warren-Darley

Of these there are several for which the crest is also some variation of "a dexter arm in armour embowed, holding a [sword, dagger, dirk, etc.]" These include, but are not limited to, Alexander (Ireland), M'Allister (Scotland), Macelester (Scotland).

So, really no closer, but interesting.