A recent thread has me interested in the vocabulary of heraldry and arms, especially for an American. Let me preface this by stating that I am and always been a bit of a symbology 'geek' and enjoy codes and symbols as a way of communicating ideas, which explains an interesting military career on my part...

I'm intrigued by the idea of using the process, protocols and vocabulary of heraldic symbols to communicate ideas relative to family history and/or to communicate the 'stoy' behind the bearer. I'm not on some hunt here to claim I am the rightful heir of some long lost arminger. This is an intellectual and artistic endeavor for me.

This being said, I completely understand the idea of Americans not using crowns, and supporters in construction of heraldic devices, but what is said regarding the use of a compartment or mount?

Please offer any thoughts you have. Links to further research would be very much enjoyed. I'm a complete ludite with a piqued curiosity.