Hello everyone!
I was wondering, what is the traditional or conservative view towards using a trophy of arms as an exterior "accessory" for a coat of arms? If you need a specific heraldic tradition, then in the British and American custom.
Does the trophy of arms have any specific meaning? Can it be used by any armiger, titled or not?
What do you mean by “trophy of arms as an exterior ‘accessory’ for a coat of arms”? I have having trouble envisioning what you mean.
As far as heraldic traditions go, America is a bit of a hodgepodge. With no heraldic authority of our own, most follow the traditions of their pre-American ancestors, whatever they might have been.
I am afraid that there is no single British heraldic custom, since the English and the Scottish traditions developed quite independent of one another, and remain quite separate and unique to this day.
I couldn’t find a non-royal example, but this is what I meant (besides the mantle and crown). I mean the crossed flags, cannons, and swords that are behind the actual arms. I was wondering if using a trophy of arms like this behind a shield would be allowed, or would it be considered an appropriation of a something exclusive to a certain title or status?
I wanted to know if there are any rules about using a trophy of arms in British heraldry. I know that in some countries, like ancien regime France, used certain devices behind the shield to indicate an office, such as a Marshal’s crossed batons, or the cannons of the Master of Artillery
I think "Trophy of Arms" is also called "Panoply of Arms"?? For illustrative purposes, see the part of the badge that attaches to the cravat:
http://image.artfact.com/housePhotos/Spink/41/289641/H0950-L17672498.jpg
http://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path[1/0/0/1/0/10010377],sizedata[450x2000]&call=url[file:product.chain]
Personal opinion, others may differ:
As to personal/familial heraldry here, IMO it’s just a matter of artistic iicense & personal taste; but also IMO more than a bit much for personal arms in this country—implying something vaguely grand while actually signifying nothing in particular.
Actually there is quite a bit of historical American heraldry, but AFAIK none using a trophy of arms as a backdrop—though I suppose there’s probably at least one example of pretty much everything if one looks hard enough.
The closest I’m aware of is the flag of the US Army, but that’s not really a coat of arms, just the trophy standing alone.
Quote:
but also IMO more than a bit much for personal arms in this country—implying something vaguely grand while actually signifying nothing in particular.
Yeah, I would have to agree with you there.
Here are some older versions….
http://register.muinas.ee/content/monument/regular/9184.jpg
http://register.muinas.ee/content/monument/regular/9151.jpg
http://register.muinas.ee/content/monument/regular/9148.jpg
or this Link from Dragan…
