Is there a general rule of thumb regarding fimbriation? Is there any limitation to its usage? I have a client who wants a sable charge on a gules field. Obviously, fimbriating the charge with a metal will solve the problem but is there a guideline on this? I was under the impression that fimbriation was usually used only for ordinaries and sub-ordinaries and not usually for any charges. Any thoughts?
I’m working to a deadline so anything anyone might wish to add is appreciated.
Not sure this helps much Fr. Guy, however the South African Bureau of Heraldry accepted the design of Daniel Christopher Boyer (H4/3/41921)
ARMS: Sable, three fleurs-de-lys one and two Azure, fimbriated Argent, in base a chevron per chevron Vert and Gules, all fimbriated Argent.
Fr., I think at best you could get away just fine with fimbriating simple non-ordinary/sub-ordinary charges such as roundels, mullets, billets, etc… however, non-geometric figures such as animals or complex objects would be pushing the limit of good heraldry IMO.
Guy,
Although in general, ordinaries and sub-ordinaries can if required be fimbriated -the term means ‘edged’, it would not preclude a charge being fimbriated. The only caveat being that such a fimbriation of a charge is liable to be indistinct at a distance if using the yardstick of such arms being borne by a knight on the field of battle. This is the only reason I can imagine that would ordinarily (no pun intended) and practically militate against such a fimbriation, although a judgement from an artistic/design perspective would need to be considered when deciding whether to fimbriate a charge or not.
With every good wish
John
I’m aware of a recent Lyon grant that has (if I recall correctly) green flowers of some kind fimbriated gold on a sable field. So it’s apparently not against the rules. But 1 Cor 10:23. I think it rarely makes for good heraldry.
Thanks all!
I would second the comments above, though likely a day late & a dollar short.
I’m sure we’d all appreciate seeing the finished design, if the owner is OK with your sharing it!