Re: Well it finally happened-reply (fwd)

[clevin@ripco.com (Craig Levin)]

Poster: clevin@ripco.com (Craig Levin)

Tibor dixit:
> Luther(?) dixit:
>   PS for the curious my sin was wearing a coat of arms which had yet to be
>   registered. It is a varient of my family's coat of arms, actually a
>   combination of two versions, (one from the eleventh century and one from the
>   fourteenth,) so that it would be unique and fit SCA guidelines. I have the
>   papers ready to try and register it, but with my wife still in the hospital,
>   I haven't been able to do much lately.

Ah. The picture's somewhat clearer. I must note, FWIW, that
merely having the same name as an armiger does not entitle one to
his arms. See also Legh v. Leigh, 1636, Earl Marshal's Court.
However, you've been thinking correctly-in Scotland, such as you
have done-composing the coat of arms of a stranger in blood from
elements of the clan's coat-is not unfrequently done.
Incidentally, you can send the check and paperwork by mail, and
also get heraldic consultation via email. Drop me a line.

> [I see temptation before me... I shall not yield...]

Heh. ;-)

> It is a very period practice, in fact, to assume arms and wear them.  Pedro
> has written extensively and with good authority on this topic, and I'd urge
> you to read his work with care and good attention.

Thank you for your kind words-I assume you're referring to my
brief essay on heraldic law and its evolution on my website? 

> Nevertheless...  It is never "period" nor courteous to yell at someone in a
> public place.  It is not appropriate to yell at someone over a mere
> difference of opinion.  It is further inappropriate to yell at someone who
> has, in ignorance, made an error.  It is foolish to yell at someone at a
> demo when you are trying to make a good impression.

Justly and well spoken.

As a pursuivant-extraordinary, my first response to well-designed
assumed arms ought to be to compliment their bearer, and then to
ask if the bearer has considered registering them. From there,
it's fairly simple.

Poorly designed arms, OTOH, would merit a different response: I
would ask their bearer if he wanted some counsel from an officer
of arms, and if he does, I would aid him to the best of my
ability. If not, then it's his problem if he's got ugly arms, no?

Pedro de Alcazar, AoA
Barony of Storvik, Atlantia
Pursuivant Extraordinary 
Or, six Castles Vert within a Bordure Gules semy of Roundels Or
-- 
http://pages.ripco.com:8080/~clevin/index.html 
clevin@ripco.com
Craig Levin
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