The Single Eagle Feather

[creagdhubh]

No, you may wear a real feather behind your clan badge if you so choose.


An armiger has two options when it comes to the badge worn on his bonnet. He may wear his own badge, with or without an attached metal feather, or he may wear an ordinary clan badge. What he should not do is affix a small metal feather to the clan badge, although he may, when appropriate, wear an actual feather behind either the clan badge or his personal crest badge.

I have also seen armigers and clan chiefs wear only their crest and wreath (in metal form, obviously) on their bonnet with the appropriate number of real feathers tucked behind it.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have also seen armigers and clan chiefs wear only their crest and wreath (in metal form, obviously) on their bonnet with the appropriate number of real feathers tucked behind it.

Some of the seriously expensive badges have feathers than can be removed when real feathers are called for.

[Harold Cannon]

I have also noticed too that many chiefs wear their crest badge with metal feathers along with real feathers behind it.

[TheOfficialBren]

I have also noticed too that many chiefs wear their crest badge with metal feathers along with real feathers behind it.

Might that be out of convenience? I.e. already having one's badge affixed to one's bonnet and just popping the fearhers on out the door to an event (like a Games)? Or out of personal preference?

Afterall...they are the chiefs. They get the final say-so with such things.


Complete sidenote here (unrelated to the thread): as I was typing I misspelled "chiefs" and it reminded me of that old commercial featuring the Kansas City "Chefs."

[SlackerDrummer]

I think it's simply because they didn't invest in a) two cap badges of their crest, one with feathers and one without, or b) the type of badge that has removable metal feathers.

[Kilted Cole]

Okay...one....would any bird of prey be appropriate? Example Owl featheres.... Also, how does one find out or get awarded a coat of arms...I'm in the SCA and have an approved COA OBVIOUSLY NOT recognised by Lyon, and well...its make believe. My point is I'm with the OP on accademically knowing more about these things. I come from farming stock so I know more than likely I would never be able to have a real coat of arms. I'm just curious.

[EagleJCS]

I come from farming stock so I know more than likely I would never be able to have a real coat of arms. I'm just curious.

And why not? Are you an honorable person? Respected by your peers and community? Then, you would more than likely be granted a COA if you can provide the proper documentation to Lyon (some familial connection to Scotland), if you choose to go that route. It would very likely be different from your SCA COA but could possibly contain elements (base color, primary charge, etc.).

Don't know about feathers from other birds of prey, but I believe you can put whatever you wish on your bonnet for decoration if you so choose. I might not put the whole feather if it's of a size with the typical eagle feather, but maybe just the last 3-4 inches.

[WVHighlander]

Also, there is the option of South Africa for a COA if you are unable to accomplish it through the Lord Lyon. As for decorating your bonnet, you can do it with any feathers you like...with the eagle feather (faus feather or not) denoting an armiger.

[Kilted Cole]

I'd probably go with a Turkey feather given a chance .... lol....but thats if I was afforded a COA.
Oh and as far as those who are curious.....my SCA COA...not high detail, but...you get the idea. two wolf heads facing away from each other....and a snowflake at the base....though in the SCA its an escarbuncle or some such thing.

[Kilted Cole]

But now you actually have me interested in applying for a CoA. how would I go about starting that process...I can trace my moms dads side to Scotland Berwickshire circa 1761 is that a start?
WOW! now I know why not every one has one...these things are $$$$$$$$ pricey!
http://www.lyon-court.com/lordlyon/232.html