I am helping an acquaintance design arms.

He would like to have a bordure (actually an orle) that consists of Celtic knot-work.

Although not common, I know that I have seen such a thing before.

How would I blazon it?  Can anyone find examples (I’m coming up empty)?

Many thanks!

You’ve probably seen it on the arms of the Turnbull Clan Association.

http://www.turnbullclan.com/images/Arms 2008 300.jpg

My understanding is an heraldic knot is simply a knot (although some are not true knots) that can be used on more than one families achievement, although the family on whose arms the knot originated, usually gives its name.

For example the Carrick Bend is known in heraldry as the Wake or Ormond knot. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrick_bend

If you blazoned for example, A Flemish Bend (Knot) proper, would it have any meaning? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_figure_eight_bend

Kenneth Mansfield;97502 wrote:

You’ve probably seen it on the arms of the Turnbull Clan Association.

That looks familiar!  Thanks!

Richard G.;97510 wrote:

My understanding is an heraldic knot is simply a knot (although some are not true knots) that can be used on more than one families achievement, although the family on whose arms the knot originated, usually gives its name.

I think that knots and unknots are often used as livery badges.

steven harris;97511 wrote:

 

I think that knots and unknots are often used as livery badges.

It would seem often but not always. Personally, I think it a great idea.

Azure a cross patonce Or in chief a Celtic knot Argent. http://archive.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project-pic.asp?lang=e&ProjectID=1142&ProjectElementID=4011

My opinion only, others may differ.

Using a knot of some sort as one (but not the only) element in a new design should be OK, but in checking for duplication, the style of the particular knot shouldn’t be the only difference betweeen the new design and any existing or historical arms.

Using a particular knot as the only or main charge(s) would IMO not be appropriate unless the particular knot is both simple & well-known (i.e. easy to recognize and distinguish from any other knot).

Otherwise the visual impact, in small scale or at a distance, would be two otherwise similar shields with one or more indistinguishable lumps of rope (or spaghetti or whatever)—not IMO sufficiently different to qualify as distinct, non-infringing designs.

The general principle would be the same as for any other type of charge—blossoms, leaves, rocks, birds, beasts or parts thereof, or what have you—whatever technical differences there may be between various types of the same category, the guiding principle in avoiding infringement is whether the particular charge is sufficiently simple and well enough known to be visually recognizable and distinct.  For knots, a simple square knot would IMO be sufficiently simple & recognizable; whereas a complex knot that only an experienced sailor or Boy Scout with the relevant merit badge could recognize, would heraldically be equivalent only to a generic knot (though you could always give the specific term and instructions to the artist for "your" knot).

Richard G.;97513 wrote:

Azure a cross patonce Or in chief a Celtic knot Argent.

I like that one!

http://archive.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/ProjectPics/v125_20060079_arms_di_sm.jpg