From: jerbil@ultra.com (Joseph Beckenbach {Adapter Software Release Engr})
Newsgroups: rec.heraldry
Subject: Re: Computerized Family Crests
Date: 9 Sep 92 19:46:33 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Ultra Network Technologies
X-Disclaimer:  (medieval re-creation group)


	Umm, I hate to disillusion anyone, but most consumer "heraldry"
found in the US is what is termed "bogus heraldry" -- it could be authentic,
it could even be valid, but unless your father bore those arms, it's not yours.
Note:  families do not "own" heraldry, it is used by one person at a time;
the normal state of affairs is that a father hands it to his first-born son.


	Also, it appears that you have somehow mislearned standard terminology
for heraldic display.  Each piece of a heraldic display originates from some
functional equipment of pre-Renaissance days.

	The basic unit is the "shield" or "escutcheon".  Some people mistakenly
call this the "crest", which has a different function entirely.  The shield
was first used to protect the wielder from someone else's weapon;  the shape
of the shield in heraldic display has evolved, normally based on innovations
and changes to the shield used in warfare or tournament.  On this relatively
flat surface, paint can be applied to produce designs.  Designs which follow
certain sets of rules, which grew out of the need to identify people in battle
and (in peace-time) amongst an illiterate society, came to be used as "arms".
I can detail the basic rules later, if you wish.
	These "arms" represent the bearer.  It is the name-tag of medieval
nobility.  If this is absent, and some other unit is displayed, you are not
claiming to be that person -- this is how much of the "bogus heraldry" remains
on the right side of the law, especially in countries where heraldic display
is regulated by law.  Arms are guaranteed to be unique within a heraldic
jurisdiction, usually a country.  US civilian heraldry is normally handled
through the English College of Arms, after permission from the appropriate
state governor is granted -- typical requesters are churches and schools.
(I don't know whether individual Americans can be granted arms.)
	The arms, along with any of the rest of the display which he has
a right to bear, is called the "achievement".

	Another unit is the "helmet".  In normal heraldic display throughout
the ages, this has been placed atop the shield, ideally in proportion to the
actual helmet worn compared to the shield used.  This helmet varies widely,
and in more recent times has become quite stylized and codified.  Many other
units of heraldic display rest atop this helmet.

	The "wreath" or "torse" is a cord around the helmet, to hold the
"mantling".  These were originally merely loose covering to protect the
warrior's helmet from the sun, and is modernly shown rather shredded because
such mantling took sword blows during combat.  The underside is often a
different color than the topside.

	The "crest" sits atop the helmet, whether or not the mantling occurs.
This headgear was used to aid identification, often repeating some motif from
the bearer's arms, or punning upon his name, or referring to something special
in his life.

	"Supporters", which keep the shield from falling down in the heraldic
display, usually come in pairs and are animate.


	So, it appears that your brother received a present displaying the
achievement for someone with the same last name as his, or something that
is being passed off as such.  If you wish to know whether someone's arms
are authentic, you ask the appropriate authority in the country in question.
He will help you trace through genealogical records to discover what relation,
if any, you have with the rightful bearer of those arms.  Very few Americans
have such a right, since this right is normally inherited along one branch
of a family.
	If you like the design, fine, but it means as much about your family
and you as if it were the design on the front half of the Great Seal of the
United States:  zip.


		Joseph Beckenbach
-- 
----
Joseph Beckenbach	jerbil@ultra.com	408-922-0600 x246
	(speaking from, but not for, Ultra Network Technologies)
Silliness forever, with a side of garlic slaw!
Newsgroups: rec.heraldry