Copyright © 1995 - Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
The label is because he hopes to get his father into the Society. (KFW, 13 Aug 72 [32], p. 1)
It's a landscape, but not too blatant a one. (KFW, 13 Feb. 72 [24], p. 2)
Usually rendered emitting three straight rays on each side. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 2)
Crowns, laurels, and wreaths of roses are restricted, since they serve to identify the corporate arms of a kingdom, king, or queen. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 3)
N. wants, among other things on vert, a braided roundel or, which looks too much like a baronial laurel wreath. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 2)
Arms of branches of the Society are henceforth required to bear a wreath of Laurel. (IoL, 31 Jan 73 [60], p. 1)
We must have a Laurel wreath (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 1) [The submission was for the arms of a branch.]
The new Arms for the Barony of N. have no Laurel Wreath, but as they were passed originally without, then the alteration may stand without them. (IoL, 28 Feb 75 [78], p. 1)
[A sixfoil slipped and singly leaved.] It was enquired whether the term "slipped" includes one leaf. The Society has used "slipped and leaved" for a stem and two or three leaves; we cannot lose by specifying, since she wants just one leaf in the position shown on the emblazon. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 1) [The charge was registered as a six-foil gules, slipped vert.]
The College defines "leopard" as a lion passant guardant . Should the spotted cat known in modern times as a leopard be desired as a charge, it will be blazoned as "an African leopard." (Cf. "a tyger" -- "a Bengal tiger.") (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], pp. 4-5)
A non-heraldic device was approved for Hal von Ravn ... being the letters M and X, the latter with a bar above it, or the Roman numerals for nine thousand. (HB, 2 Dec 70 [9], p. 2)
N. wants too many charges, lettering, and a mug overflowing with beer. We will accept the mug, without beer, and no lettering. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 4)
It [the badge] consisted of the Chinese characters for [translation], and the Lady Sequoia flatly disapproved it. Hal von Ravn has a badge with the letters MX, but Lady Sequoia can read it, and she cannot read Chinese characters. A badge, it was noted, serves to mark retainers or other properties. The Lord Banner noted that he would approve it for a Chinese or Japanese house or persona. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 2)
The "prohibition on devices magickal" is on: symbols of evil intent, letters in any alphabet (on devices), alchemical and astrological signs. Thus, a Thor's Hammer is quite proper, but an inverted pentangle is not. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [70], p. 4)
see also DEVICE
The lightning-flash ... is not the same thing as the traditional heraldic thunderbolt. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 2) [The submission was approved.]
The College defines "leopard" as a lion passant guardant. Should the spotted cat known in modern times as a leopard be desired as a charge, it will be blazoned as "an African leopard." (Cf. "a tyger" -- "a Bengal tiger.") (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], pp. 4-5)
The convention for a lion is that it is armed, langued and orbed gules unless either it or the field is of that tincture, in which case it is armed langued and orbed azure. Should a different case, as here, prevail, it is necessary to specify the tinctures. If no tincture is specified, the default tinctures are assumed. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 2)
Lioncels, "lion cubs," is used for lions in the plural unless separated or fighting, the idea being that lions are too territorial for an adult to allow another adult in his presence, so they must be cubs. (KFW, 19 Sep 72 [33], p. 2)
[Horn argent lipped gules.] This College proposes "lipped" to replace the [F]rench engu[i]che to describe the mouth of a horn. (KFW, 27 Jul 73 [43], p. 2)
Any Society member may design a device to fit upon whichever shape shall be found most pleasing and satisfactory to him or her alone, and may bear his or her device indifferently upon a lozenge or upon an escutcheon; and scribes, calligraphers, and heraldic artists may in the preparation of scrolls or other documents of State, follow the individual preference of the Society member in question, or, in the absence of any preference expressed by the member, may follow their own inclinations at the bidding of their artistic conscience. (HB, 24 Jun 72 [52], p. 1)
see also SHIELDS ON SHIELDS
Checky per saltire has right angles, whereas lozengy lozenges are like two equilateral triangles base to base. (KFW, 15 Jul 73 [42], p. 1)
[Flanged mace.] On this one there had been much discussion of what shape the mace should be; Seraphim having proposed a gaudy ornate thing that looked like a birthday cake on a stick, topped with an elaborate crown. Others argued for a simple mace of war. Seraphim: "But the heraldic mace has always been drawn ... It is a ceremonial mace ..." To him was answered: "We are creative heralds. The Lord Constable's mace in this kingdom is not going to be a ceremonial mace. He is really going to carry it on the field and use it to beat people over the head if they don't obey." It was finally decided that a flanged mace with a couple of extra knobs &c. on it would be fancy enough to sooth Seraphim's heraldic feelings, yet functional en[o]ugh to suit the Lord Constable; and it was so approved. (KFW, 13 Jun 71 [18], p. 3)
Since long, narrow objects usually found upright are by convention emblazoned in that position unless otherwise specified in the blazon, and by convention with the business end (point of a sword, for instance) up, it is unnecessary to say "a mace erect." An exception to this rule is the arrow, which is usually shown with the head down. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 2)
This can be registered as a device; if she discards the magical symbol ["the symbol of Saturn"] it can also be arms. (HB, 14 May 70 [5], p. 3)
With the exception of the cross, religious, magical and astrological symbols were never used during the period we have taken as our model. [During the Middle Ages, of course, ladies and gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion (Thank you, Moses Mendelsohn) were never given arms; for that reason the Seal of Solomon or the Star of David may be used in Society arms as a charge - Randall of Hightower.] (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], pp. 9-10)
Although we heartily dislike the use of symbols of black magic on the field or anywhere else, we cannot formally object to the use of a goat's head cabossed. However, if he had placed the goat's head within a pentacle, it would then be restricted; the Templars were accused of using this sign and it was partly for that reason that they were disbanded. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 3)
Ioseph of Locksley objects to the use of pentacles and other magical symbols, and appeals to the Lord Clarion's judgment, and the Lord Clarion finds that these [three pentagrams and a crescent] are indeed magical symbols and that in the Middle Ages anyone appearing on the field with them would have been hanged. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 7)
This is the counterchange of a symbol frequently and publicly used by Anton LeVey. Clarion: "This College does not wish to become involved in any argument between black wizards (RoH, 13 Jun 71 [45], p. 2)
The "prohibition on devices magickal" is on: symbols of evil intent, letters in any alphabet (on devices), alchemical and astrological signs. Thus, a Thor's Hammer is quite proper, but an inverted pentangle is not. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [70], p. 4)
Let us keep in mind the original purpose of arms: to identify the man on the field. We of the Society have no need or reason to follow the decadent practice of quarterings, sub-quarterings, sub-sub-quarterings, and so forth. We are not, after all, concerned with the genealogical aspects of heraldry; we are concerned with what a man is, not who his ancestors might have been. Therefore, keep your arms simple, in the manner of the Thirteenth or Fourteenth Centuries. That makes them easy to recognize on the field. (RoH, late 1968 [2], p. 13)
The matter of quartering was discussed. Lord Clarion opposes the use of quartered arms, since they indicate that the bearer has both parents bearing arms in the Society: and this is true as yet of very few. But a plain quartered field is allowed. Thus Ironste[ed] may have quarterly azure and argent. And Verena of Laurelin, who was formerly refused a blazon of quarterly, by quarters, 1 and 4, azure, a crux ansata or, 2 and 3, argent, may have it ... Since 2 and 3 are without charge, the blazon is not two arms quartered. (HB, 15 Feb 70 [3], p. 3)
A distinction should be made between "the field quarterly" and "quartered arms." Quarterly divides the field into four parts, the first and fourth being of one tincture and the second and third of another tincture. However, metal cannot be used with metal, color with color or fur with fur ... A charge may be placed in any one quarter ... or one charge may be placed over all four quarters ... provided it is not of a tinc[t]ure used in the quarters. This is an exception to the metal on metal, color on color rule. Quartered arms have the field divided per quarterly [sic] and a different charge in each quarter ... Traditionally, quartered arms imply that you had ancestors who bore arms. Because the Society has not been in existence long enough for any one to have had armigerous ancestors quartering of arms is not allowable. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 10)
Husbands and wives do not impale their arms. This is a later practice not used by the Society. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 14)
He wanted four separate quartered arms, and we don't do that in the Society. (KFW, 19 Sep 72 [33], p. 2)
This is not rejected per se, but rather the following must be pointed out: that it is the policy of the Imperial College to register the individual parts of marshallings rather than the full marshalling itself, tho[ugh] we do wish to be informed of any marshallings in use, to comment &c. Let this Lady and her Lord submit individual applications and emblazons. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [68], p. 1)
These imply inherited Arms too closely for Our liking. Let her take one charge and place it over the whole field, or place it in one quarter, or place both charges in, for example, the 1st quarter. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [68], p. 1) [The arms were quarterly, with one charge in dexter chief and another in sinister base.]
This is much too like an imp[a]led coat. (IoL, 1 Aug 73 [69], p. 1) [The arms consisted of a complex per-fess division, with the base per pale, and different charges in each compartment of the field.]
It is permitted for Lords and Ladies of State, Great only, to display their Arms of Office impaled, to dexter, with their own Arms to sinister. (IoL, 31 May 75 [80], p. 1)
She wanted the Masonic symbols on her arms in memory of her father, who was an umpteenth degree Mason, but she still can't; she also couldn't use her father's own arms, assuming he had them. (KFW, 16 Jul 72 [31], p. 1)
Remember that a bird is never "armed," even if it is a bird of prey; if its beak is of a different tincture from its body it is "beaked" of that tincture; if its legs, including the feet and claws, are of a different tincture, it is "membered" of that tincture. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 2)
A mermaid is conventionally shown (unless otherwise specified in the blazon) as holding a mirror in one hand, into which she is looking, and a comb in the other, with which she is combing her hair. The term "Mermaid in her vanity" has been adopted to represent this convention. (HB, 18 Oct 70 [8], p. 4)
Migrant signifies volant as seen from above; that's creative heraldry for you. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 1) [Creative heraldry denotes terminology or practices coined by SCA heralds.]
[Goose migrant to dexter.] The descriptive term "migrant" was established to describe the silhouette of a bird seen from below, its head outstretched in front of it and its wings outspread as if flying or soaring. Without other qualification, the bird is presumed to be flying toward the chief; in this case, the bird is flying towards the dexter side (i.e. the axis of the body is fesswise, and the axis of the wings is palewise). (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [16], pp. 1-2)
In Society usage, "migrant" refers to a bird volant with wings outstretched as seen from directly above; two eyes are visible if the bird is "orbed" of a different tincture. It is a bird's-eye view of a bird, so to speak. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)
The term "migrant" denotes a bird in flight as seen from above. This is a Society heraldic convention that has been adopted by the British College ... makes one proud to be a herald. (IoL, 23 May 73 [65], p. 1)
A starcross, also called a millrind, looks like an asterisks it is automatically couped. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 2) [According to Alfgar the Sententious, who handled this submission, the SCA starcross is "a figure consisting of a pale couped conjoined with a saltire couped, like an asterisk, or a straight mill-rind." The usage appears to be unique to SCA heraldry.]
The Lord Banner points out that while the Mogen David was in use in the middle ages, it wasn't then the badge of the Jew. O well. (KFW, 13 May 73 [41], p. 1)
We do not, at the present time, use crests, mottoes, or supporters on the scrolls or in the Great Book of Arms. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 14)
[Sable, a mount vert.] This is color on color -- though many mounts have been used without regard to color; a mount proper is ipso facto vert. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 9) [The submission was rejected.]
He wonders whether a mouse can ramp, but we say why not. (KFW, 14 May 72 [29], p. 1)
By convention a mullet has five points unless otherwise specified in the blazon. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 2)
[Semy of stars a naturelle.] Creative heraldry: "A NATURELLE" [sic] means simply that the stars are not mullets nor estoiles, but are drawn in varying ways, as real stars look. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [74], p. 1) [This is a misnomer. The French idiom au naturel uses the definite article, and is masculine in gender. In French blazon, it means proper.]
Why can't people put together halfway consistent medieval identities? N. touched me off, but I could cite you several dozen examples almost as bad. Name should agree with surname and ekenames, and arms should be in keeping. I wish more people followed the Scandinavian practice of taking a surname that corresponds to the coat of arms -- most people had patronymics, and when a man was ennobled he took arms and surname together. Thus Hammarskjold has crossed hammers with four roundels, Oxenstjerna a bull's head with a star, and Papegoy -- I'm not kidding " a parrot. (KFW, 31 Jan 72 [23], p. 2)
We don't care for the name but we'll forgive it for the sake of the beautiful arms. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 1) [Both name and arms were approved.]
As for this College, we will not accept names without devices, which is not our job. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 4)
Nirriti, so called, cannot call himself thus ... Let him be told: Change your name or the Lord of Light will be very unhappy with you. (HB, 2 Dec 70 [9], p. 2)
One calling himself Stephen of Blois cannot call himself that. He was the King Stephen just before Henry II who fought with Matilda. But the arms are all right ... and will be approved when he chooses a new name. (Roil, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 2)
[Alianora of the Tall Grasses.] The conjunction of the name and the device of a swan is too reminiscent of Alianora the Swan May, a character in Poul Anderson's book Three Hearts and Three Lions. By the rules of the Society, no person may use arms, names or titles taken from works of fiction. At the Suggestion of the Lady Banner Herald, the Lord Clarion recommends that this person write to the author of Three Hearts and Three Lions, asking his specific permission if she desires to use this name in conjunction with the swan device. If there is some compelling reason in her mind for the association of these two -- that is, if it is not simply a whim or groundless desire -- the Lord Clarion would like to know of it. (For instance, if the person's 20th century name is Ellen Swanson, an obvious association of ideas would be involved.) (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [16], p. 3)
Concerning the gentleman calling himself Fourmyle of Ceres ... we have long repeated to him that his device was acceptable but his name was not (it being an ekename used by the protagonist of an extremely well-known work of science fiction). (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 3)
N. has an acceptable device but we wonder about the name; it is the name of a character in Howard's Bran mac Morn. It is the name of a very minor character, it could also be a common Celtic name; and he may not even know about it. We suggest he can modify it if he likes. (KFW, 14 May 72 [29], p. 1) [The name was approved.]
He can't be Barbarossa. It's the specific name of a very famous person. (KFW, 13 Aug 72 [32], p. 3) [Actually, Barbarossa is a descriptive surname meaning "red beard." It was borne by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, and by the Turkish corsair Khair ad-Din and his brother.]
[Ilya.] While we find no problem with the badge, we must ask for more differentiation of the name. Is he I[l]lya Kur[y]akin of a certain television show? Is he Ilya Bodanovitch? Who is he? Add more to the name, please. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [68], p. 1)
[Delores del Rio he la Plata.] So soon we forget. That's much too close to the film actress of the same name. Change it. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [75], p. 1)
[Azarael the Soul Separator.] I doubt very much that the Islamic Angel of Death has joined the Society. Change it! (IoL, 31 Jul 74 [77], p. 1)
Rhiannon N.... wishes to know if her name is all right or if she should go back to being M. No one seems to know; she must prove that the name was used by humans, not gods only, and before the nineteenth century when anything went. The College operates under the Napoleonic code: otherwise we would never get anywhere. (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 1)
[N. Brandybuck.] Name ok, since she isn't saying she's any specific LOTR [Lord of the Rings] Brandybuck. (HB, 18 Oct 70 [7], p. 1)
"Swami" is not, to Our knowledge, a proper name. Please try to take a name more in keeping with the purposes of the SCA Inc. (IoL, 31 Jul 74 [77], p. 1)
BADGE registered to himself (he may not register it to the name of his household, because names of households are NOT the concern of the College of Arms and are not to be registered, at least at this time). (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 1)
We don t register household names. (KFW, 13 May 73 [41], p. 2)
N. is coined, and no language at all. (KFW, 12 Nov 72 [35], p. 1) [The name was approved.]
[Rhiannon.] Let her be told that the arms are acceptable but her name is not only used in myth and fiction, but is a male name; Rhiannon was one of the bards of Wales. (HB, 2 Dec 70 [9], p. 3)
N. reports that the name Rhiannon is a female name, but a mythological one, belonging to a great and famous lady. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 8)
Rhiannon N.... wishes to know if her name is all right or if she should go back to being M. No one seems to know; she must prove that the name was used by humans, not gods only, and before the nineteenth century when anything went. The College operates under the Napoleonic code: otherwise we would never get anywhere. (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 1)
[N. Odinsson.] Let him submit a history form documenting whose son he is, or change his name. (HB, 5 Aug 72 [56], p. 1)
[N. Odinsson.] Let him submit a history form documenting whose son he is, or change his name. (HB, 5 Aug 72 [56], p. 1)
[N. of Valinor.] The first name is acceptable, but Valinor is the habitation of angels. Let him choose a mortal land. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 2)
N. of Pretense's arms ... are acceptable; his name is not. It sounds like pretender to the throne. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 9)
The Council of Seneschals has enquired whether baronies, cantons, and the like should choose a name before or after applying to the College of Heralds. It is answered that while they should check arms with a [herald], it is for the Imperium to rule on the choice of names. And they should not submit arms to the College until they have been accredited through the Imperial College of Electors [Board of Directors]. (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 1)
[Ilya.] While We find no problem with the badge, We must ask for more differentiation of the name. Is he I[l]lya Kur[y]akin of a certain television show? Is he Ilya Bodanovitch? Who is he? Add more to the name, please. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [68], p. 1)
['Abbas 'al-Rachid.] The device is acceptable, but the name is not; it means "Father of the Orthodox" and is one of the titles of the Caliph of Baghdad. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 4)
"Nevsky" is a title and may not be used!!! (IoL, 31 Jul 74 [76], p. 7) [This is incorrect. Nevsky (Russian "of the Neva") was a surname earned by Alexander, prince of Novgorod, after his victory over a strong Swedish army at the Battle of Neva in 1240.]
The octofoil is theoretically the cadency mark for the eighth son, but there are no examples. (KFW, 12 Nov 72 [35], p. 1)
N. is said to have wanted daisies and been told to have octofoils. Lady Vesper says daisies are perfectly medieval, if heraldically rare, and she could have had them if she'd asked her. (KFW, 12 Nov 72 [35], p. 1)
[Cross potent rebated in annulo.] In plain terms, he wanted an ancient Indo-European sun disk, or fylfot, sometimes known as a swastika, a rounded version thereof. And there was great debate on all sides. It boiled down to this: nobody objected to the sun disk, and everybody objected to the word swastika, and so the blazon was carefully reworded. (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 4) [The submission was approved.]
Is there any rule against skulls and other grewsome charges? Alas, there is not. (KFW, 14 May 72 [29], p. 2)
Tell this ... person ... that we are interested in heraldry. I certainly hope some of the fighting women of your area in [kingdom] have challenged his body about this travesty. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [75], p. 1) [The submission was a woefully-blazoned attempt to represent a naked female torso using heraldic charges.]
The Lord Laurel pointed out that we have a peculiar situation here. The Office of the Mailing List is really an Imperial institution. We have some officers whose offices are corporations. Only a King can give arms, and so we have officers of purely Imperial offices that have been given arms by the King of the West. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 1)
The College does not difference provincial arms. We suggest that like the officers of Atenveldt they wear the arms of the office on one shoulder and the arms of the province on the other. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 1) [The submission was a badge for the officers of the province incorporating "a roundel with the arms of the office."]
All Kingdom Colleges of Heralds use the Arms of the Imperial College of Arms, just as all Earl Marsha[l]s use the Arms of the Imperial Marshalate, and all Seneschals, Mistresses of Arts, Masters of Sciences and Medics use the appropriate Imperial Arms. (IoL, 31 Jan 73 [60], p. 1)
[West Kingdom Chronicler.] If the BoD decides that the Kingdom Chroniclers, Exchequers, &c will all display the appropriate Imperial Arms, then this reverts to a Badge. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [70], p. 1)
All Corporate Arms, that is, all Arms relating to Offices of the SCA Inc., will henceforth be submitted directly to the Lord Laurel, with no fee, who will write the letter of intent, &c. (IoL, 28 Feb 75 [78], p. la)
It is permitted for Lords and Ladies of State, Great only, to display their Arms of Office impaled, to dexter, with their own Arms to sinister. (IoL, 31 May 75 [80], p. 1)
[Sea-serpent ondoyant-emergent.] Ondoyant-emergent is a term coined by the College of Heralds of the West to represent a sea-serpent or other creature drawn as below: [picture] and not to be confused with the same creature dismembered: [picture]. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 1) [In the letter of intent of 25 Oct 71, the body of the serpent is described as "emerging from the water at intervals in a wave-like fashion, alternate parts of the body presumed to be underwater."]
The Opinicus as a charge is out of period. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 1) [Rodney Dennys, in The Heraldic Imagination, cites occurrences of the opinicus as a supporter in 1556 and 1561. At the time of this ruling, the cut-off date for charges was 1485.]
The clarion as defined by the Imperial College is that curious shape sometimes otherwise known as claricord, sufflue, organ-rest, &c, and having nothing to do with a "clarion-trumpet," a kind of brass wind-instrument resembling a trombone. (HB, 14 Dec 71 [48], p. 1)
An Owl is, by convention, statant guardant. They are always gardant in any other position, unless otherwise specified. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 8)
[Screech owl proper.] The Lord Banner doesn't care to differentiate species heraldically. But considering we differentiate the rest of the arms, we needn't cavil at giving people the species they want. (KFW, 11 Mar 73 [39], p. 2)
[Owl regardant.] Can owls be other than guardant? Various heraldic authorities say not, but since body forward and head full back is typical of owls, who can turn their heads right around, we will merely say that for the Society full-face is default. (KFW, 11 Mar 73 [39], p. 2)
Owls are, as a rule, guardant, but we can also assume that they can look other directions too. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [70], p. 1)
Barry is conventionally of six, as are paly, bendy, and the like, unless otherwise specified in the blazon. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 4)
[Paly of six, or and sable, a fess counterchanged.] This is sometimes called paly-counterpaly. (KFW, 9 Apr 72 [27], p. 1)
Barry is conventionally of six, as are paly, bendy, and the like, unless otherwise specified in the blazon. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 4)
[Per pale Or and sable, counterchanged by a chevron inverted gules.] This could be said more clumsily as: Per pale and chevron inverted Or and sable, a chevron inverted gules. We prefer the simplicity of the first blazon, from which we can extrapolate the general case of a field party counterchanged by an ordinary or subordinary running in a direction different from that of the original line of partition of a field. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], pp. 4-5)
A tricune (Lat.: "triple wedge") is a geometric figure formed of three passion-nails cojoined in estoile at the heads. (HB, 5 Feb 72 [50], p. 1) [The term appears to be a neologism.]
The Lord Laurel said that (1) pean was not a fur allowed by the College; (2) N. could have no exceptions. (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], p. 4) [The term pean was wait to be out of period, although one could apparently have a field sable, ermines Or.]
Two years ago Dorothy of Paravel applied for a pelican badge. At that time the Board of Directors said that they reserved the ... pelican for their own use EXCLUSIVELY. (KFW, 5 Dec 73 [44], p. 1)
The Pelican is, apparently, reserved for the BoD. Will the Steward please confirm in writing? (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [75], p. 1)
According to our sources, "pen" means only a quill-pen, not a reed-pen (calamus). (HB, 14 Dec 71 [48], p. 2)
see MAGIC
Keep your arms simple, in the manner of the Thirteenth or Fourteenth Centuries. That makes them easy to recognize on the field. (RoH, late 1968 [2], p. 13)
A dondril was not known to Medieval Europe, but we have too few canting arms. (HB, 14 May 70 [5], p. 4)
The original purpose of arms was to distinguish warriors on the field and in the lists. This same purpose is the main point to consider in choosing arms. For this reason, the College uses as a model Englis[h] Heraldry of the period 1300 to 1450. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 8)
It was decided to raise the cut-off date for the period approved by the College from 1450 to 1485, the date of the end of the Plantagenet line in England considered as marking the end of the Middle Ages in that country. (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], p. 1)
We had thought his [charge] to be out of period, but he has documentation to support it. (HB, 7 Web 71 [12], p. 9)
He wished a wavy-crested division which is rather late. He could have either undy or engrailed; we suggest the latter. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 1)
[Brilliant cut emerald.] We are not certain whether jewels were faceted then, but do not consider it that vital. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 5)
In the fanciful system of "rebatements" evolved by decadent heralds later than our period, a gore was a rebatement for cowardice. However, in this system, the rebatements were always of the stains, particularly tenne. Neither stains nor abatements have so far been allowed to intrude upon the purity of Society heraldry, so the gore sinister in this case is simply another pretty kind of partition of the field. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 3) [The gore is a charge, not a partition of the field.]
A serpent, or bass cornetto, is post-1485 but so are many charges that have been passed. (ROW, 9 Apr 72 [28], p. 1)
Corinthian columns are late, decadent heraldry. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 3)
The Opinicus as a charge is out of period. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 1) [Rodney Dennys, in The Heraldic Imagination, cites occurrences of the opinicus as a supporter in 1556 and 1561. At the time of this ruling, the cut-off late for charges was 1485.]
A Claymore is the two-handed greatsword with trooping quill[o]ns terminated in three or four rings. This term was used until the advent of the Claybeg (what this person terms a claymore) in the 17th Century. The claybeg is more properly called the Scots version of the Venetian Schiavona. (See Stone's Glossary.) If this person is going to go Scots, maybe a little more research is in order. We suggest that the Claybeg be replaced with a weapon more in period with the College. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 2)
This is a counterchange of N. without the [charge], for which he enclosed a letter of permission. (KFW, 11 Jul 71 [19], p. 4)
N. and M. represent allied and related households ... hence the appearance of similar charges in their personal devices and badges. Documentation has been supplied to the College of Heralds indicating the affiliation of these households and the desire of the persons concerned to bear these devices & use these badges; no infringement of one individual's device or badge upon another individual's device or badge is meant. (KFW, 1 Jan 72 [21], p. 2)
Several members of his household wish to have arms with different charges on the same field as his. He is willing to authorize this and will not consider it infringement. Master Frederick secured a statement from him, as follows: "I, N. Of M., to hereby authorize Members of the house of M. to use variants of the arms of M., suitably differences, as their personal arms. Such variants will be approved by me prior to submission. /s/ N. of M." He will suitably endorse each application. Master Frederick did not guarantee success with this procedure; the final decision rests with the Lord Laurel. (KFW, 12 Mar 72 [26], p. 4)
Why can't people put together halfway consistent medieval identities? N. touched me off, but I could cite you several dozen examples almost as bad. Name should agree with surname and ekenames, and arms should be in keeping. I wish more people followed the Scandinavian practice of taking a surname that corresponds to the coat of arms -- most people had patronymics, and when a man was ennobled he took arms and surname together. Thus Hammarskjold has crossed hammers with four roundels, Oxenstjerna a bull's head with a star, and Papegoy -- I'm not kidding -- a parrot. (KFW, 31 Jan 72 [23], p. 2)
Then came the Lord Laurel King-of-Arms asking our opinion on certain problems contained in a letter from N. ... inquiring about multiple personae and whether they have separate registrations, arms, and awards. What to you to if you're a monk in the morning and a musician in the afternoon? Our answer was, Be them, but to not attempt to formalize it. The Lord Laurel gave us the impression that the Imperial College of Arms is of a mind to register only one device per human being, regardless of number of personae. N. seems to feel that it is not seemly for a herald to fight, or for a Great Lord of State to be a guildmaster. Master Frederick of Holland, Greencloak Herald, is both a herald and a fighter and finds no difficulty; he takes off or puts on a cloak as required. As for this College, we will not accept names without devices, which is not our job. If one has only one device registered there is no problem in transferring it; only one persona registers arms, and any other persona may bear them, but not other ones. We recommend to N.'s attention Njal Styrbjornsonr, who when he needs to write a letter or attend a Christian gathering becomes Brother Clement; not to mention that well-known samurai, Duke Henrik the Dane. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 4)
[Semy of frets of three annulets in perspective.] Firstly, we object to seme of lithium atoms. Secondly, an annulet in perspective will not do on fourteenth-century arms, since perspective had not yet been invented. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 5) [Actually, perspective was known in Classical times and was being re-invented by illuminators -- see the Belles Heures -- in the late 14th century. I agree that it doesn't belong in heraldry, though. KFW]
see BASS CORNETTO
Wolf's teeth are like little curved piles. When issuant from the sides of a shield they conventionally point downward. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 5)
The phrase "pile in point" replaces the phrase "pile from base" used previously to describe a pile issuing from the base. (KFW, 25 Oct 71 [20], p. 3) [This is incorrect. "Piles in point" is the modern term for the medieval practice of depicting two or more piles (issuant from chief) with their points meeting in base. A pile issuant from base is blazoned reversed in mundane armory, and inverted in the SCA.]
The English have a word for it too! Replace "vil[e]ne" with pizzled and cullioned. (IoL, 9 Mar 73 [63], p. 1) [Vilene ("having the virile parts of a specified tincture") is a term from French blazon. I have located a couple of references to pizzled, but cullioned appears to be a neologism; Brooke-Little gives the English term as coded.]
Lord Clarion said, Plumetty is not allowable. Fiat. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 8)
By Society convention, the word "hilted" covers "quill[o]ned" and "pommelled" when all three are of the same tincture. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)
By convention, a portcullis is shown with a short chain attached to the upper part of either side. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 5)
We have a precedent for the usage of the "Brown Bear proper" in SCA heraldry already. (IoL, 30 Apr 73 [64], p. 2) [I.e., genus and species were not required.]
Please cite a precedent for the use of tartan in heraldic Arms. Otherwise, alter the damn thing to better heraldry. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [75], p. 1)
Lady Johanna said that this was the first time a distinction between heraldic roses, roses proper, field roses, and primroses had even come up in her book. And Lord Clarion made this distinction: a heraldic rose is five-petaled, barbed and seeded sometimes with other colors. A rose proper is a rose gules, barbed vert and seeded or. A primrose has four petals. (Though, Lady Banner said, a real primrose has five.) A garden rose, or field rose, looks like a real rose, with more petals than five. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 2)
Objects placed on the field as charges can be "proper." "Proper" is the true color of the object. This can be used as long as it is recognizable against the field. A raven proper on a field sable would not be allowed, but a raven proper on a field gules is allowable. When something is called "proper" only one distinctive color should come to mint; a raven proper is obviously black, but what color is a horse proper? (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 9)
[Brown bears proper.] We must have the Latin name of Bears that are only coloured brown. (IoL, 31 Jan 73 [60], p. 1)
We have a precedent for the usage of the "Brown Bear proper" in SCA heraldry already. (IoL, 30 Apr 73 [64], p. 2) [I.e., genus and species were not required. ]
Please note the difference between a red camellia proper, which is drawn realistically, and a camellia gules, which is stylized. (IoL, 30 Jun 75 [81], p. 3)
N. wishes to change her device to [blazon]. we shall approve it, and note that her old device is back in public domain. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 2) [In this case, public domain is being used to indicate that the old coat is now vacant (i.e., the design is up for grabs).]
For the Imperial Chronicler, we first considered three quills, but three people already have the like, which makes it public domain. (KFW, 12 Nov 72 [35], p. 2) [The intended meaning of public domain is unclear. From the context, it would appear that the arrangement of charges had been used so frequently as to preclude any further non-conflicting variations; but this sense is in direct opposition to the definition of "public domain." In a letter to Dragon Herald some five years later, Karina noted that "public domain and common property were used with various meanings at different times." I am inclined to regard this particular instance as a slip of the pen.]
There are so many previous instances of this kind of beast that it's common property. (KFW, 17 Dec 72 [36], p. 3) [The doctrine of common property seems to have been that if enough different holders of a mundane coat could be found, then the mundane conflicts were ignored.]
This probably conflicts with several Spanish arms, and since there are several we don't mind. If we find fifteen other families doing the same thing, why should we complain about the sixteenth? (KFW, 13 May 73 [41], p. 1) [The submission was approved.]
Next Page - Previous Page
Return to the Volume I Table of Contents Page