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For over 30
years with careful and meticulous attention to every detail, we have been the leading makers of surname
histories and heraldic artwork. Authenticity is our trademark. Accurate texts and registers from all
over the world have been collected to make up our source library.
Our product
is guaranteed 100%. Right to Bear Arms: Our Coats of Arms are heraldically accurate
depictions of an Armorial borne by a bearer of the depicted surname or one of its spelling
variations, at some point in history.
We create
the Coats of Arm and crest by interpreting the Blazons (technical descriptions) in the most
recognized Armorial source books. To actually bear arms, you must be granted the coat of Arms
by one of the Colleges of Arms, or prove descent from someone who once bore the arms in
question.
In
England and Wales, Arms are granted under the authority of the Earl Marshall by the Garter King of
Arms, in Scotland by the Lyon King of Arms, and in Ireland by the Ulster King of Arms. Similar
bodies exist in Europe and in other countries.
There will
certainly be more than one Coat of Arms associated with most surnames. We have generally tried to
locate the oldest one on record for the region of interest.
Our Coats of
Arms can be displayed with pride as a piece of historical artwork.
The Language of
Heraldry
Contrary to popular opinion, coats of arms were rarely recorded
visually, that is to say in the form of a picture or drawing. And so, today it is often up to the
heraldic artist to render arms from a written descriptions. As a result, there is no absolutely
correct way to draw or paint a lion rampant, for example; however, the size, proportions portions
and positioning of the lion do follow a precise format that is still observed
today.
The language used to describe the heraldic tinctures (metals, colors
and furs), ordinaries and devices developed to quite a concise but common language throughout
Europe by the sixteenth century. This is called blazoning. While many countries often recorded the
arms in their own language, the structure was for the most part universal (generally the tincture
of the surface of the shield is provided first, followed by ordinaries and devices or emblazons and
their colors. Thus the expression " Ar... a lion ramp. sa..." can be translated to "Argent, a lion
rampant, sable" or a silver shield with a black lion rampant. As you can see, the heraldic
description is neither French, Latin or English but a mixture of many languages that has developed
over the centuries.
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Hall of Names
