Use of Ermine in CoA

[Dram]

Greetings,

Was curious as to the opinions of using ermine in a coat of arms for the "average" guy. I prefer ermine and intend to use it in my crest, but was wondering if it is improper for non-nobility etc... to use it? FYI I am in America and do intend to have the arms registered.

[Chas]

Ermine (like the rest of the furs) is just another tincture and not inherently noble. Apart from not using it on the inside of mantling, anything goes. I have seen most animals, fish and birds tinctured in ermine. I once saw a Viking longboat in ermine!

[Dram]

Thanks Chas!