http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/loaba/ratbadge.png
The reason I chose a Rat is because of the year I was born (1972). Per the Chinese Zodiac, that makes me a Rat (water). I have always enjoyed that type of thing (astrology), and I don’t mind rats at all. Come to think of it, living in the high desert as I do, rats should be plentiful around these parts.
My rat is holding a sword in his paws, as though he is about to offer it to someone. That’s me, prepared to offer my service (such as it may be) to others. I chose a sword as a nod to the medieval knights of old, whose arms I’ve admired since I was a child. Well, I also chose a sword because I like ‘em and I can occasionally wield a cutting remark or two. 
Or Despereaux.
Something about it works, and something about it doesn’t. It’s creative and fun.
For me, though, it’s missing that slightly stylized quality most heraldic renderings seem to have.
On the whole, I like it.
Thanks, Joseph, I think it’s pretty neat too. You’re right, Despereaux would be quite appropriate as well. I thought the film was wonderful, just as I enjoyed The Voyage of The Dawntreader.
The rendering is rough, made of stolen images. I need to draw it directly, then I can give it a more heraldic look and feel.
You know what, I like it. Initially, I was surprised, but it’s definitely unique. Good for you!
It’s a strikingly simple image, and I doubt you’d be duplicating anything else out there. I like it. As ever, capturing the look of this design in a blazon that could be deciphered by other artists is the trick.
I’ll give it a go: A rat sejant erect Vert holding in its sinister paw a sword fesswise Or.
However, whatever blazon we come up with isn’t going to capture the apparent non-chalance with which this particular rat is brandishing a golden broadsword, nor the mildly inquisitive look on his face, almost as if he’s about to ask, "Did anyone here drop a miniature golden broadsword?"
Charles - thanks, unique is just what I wanted. For me, the arms themselves are a geometric exercise that I greatly enjoy. I love the counterchanged chevron. This badge, however, isn’t an exercise at all. I love it, and it so cool to hear positive feedback. This piece speaks to me. I may tweak the rat drawing a bit, but I won’t change the overall composition at all.
Ben - I love your take on the little guys expression, and he is very nonchalant indeed. He’s as laid back as I’d like to be.
Your blazon seems to be quite accurate as well.
Oh hey, I just noticed this…
I was born in 72 as well, but in February, which actually falls under the Chinese year of the pig and the element of Metal…
"METAL PIG!" hehe, thanks for the badge idea, hahaha.
I think it’s just great. Rats are a perfect animal to ‘reclaim’ from the stigma surrounding them, and are unique enough to be totally memorable.
And who can complain about Or and Vert?
I like the rat, but it appears he is not holding the sword in just one paw, but in both - although not on the pomell… So, I guess that detail could go to the artist, but there could be some variety there.
To me, this badge represents service; "my sword is yours."
No 24;83788 wrote:
To me, this badge represents service; "my sword is yours."
Or perhaps, "I believe this is your sword." 
Kenneth Mansfield;83853 wrote:
Or perhaps, "I believe this is your sword."
"Say hello to my little friend."
Benjamin Thornton;83855 wrote:
"Say hello to my little friend."
"Oh, fancy a nice pickle and cheese sandwich…Need some help cutting that?"
Just came across this in the Canadian Registry…
The arms of:
Samuel Wenzel Billich
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
June 20, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 286
http://www.americanheraldry.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=72&pictureid=1067
Kenneth Mansfield;83853 wrote:
Or perhaps, "I believe this is your sword."
As I’ve never swung a blade in anger, I find that both humorous and appropriate at the same time.
You should swing one in anger…good fun :D
