The Single Eagle Feather

**SlackerDrummer** · 11th October 13, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by 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

If you want a coat of arms from Lord Lyon, you need to prove male-line decent to someone in Scotland or lands held by the British Empire (e.g. the American colonies prior to 1776). Mom's dad's family doesn't count since arms descend patrilineally in the Scottish tradition. If you believe that the best way to obtain arms is through a grant, I'd recommend being true to the traditions of the countries who maintain granting authorities and stick with your Y-chromosome. In other words if your dad's dad's line (on back) is from Scotland, go to Lyon. If they're from Ireland, go to the Chief Herald of Ireland. If they're from England, go to the College of Arms. Otherwise, I don't see the point in seeking a grant. If your mom's dad had Scottish arms, you wouldn't inherit those arms anyway.

**Kilted Cole** · 11th October 13, 11:55 AM

Dang...oh well...not a big deal.

**WVHighlander** · 11th October 13, 01:07 PM

We've had this discussion ad nauseam on here regarding applying for CoAs etc. You can find those discussions.... That said, I would suggest you check into the South African Bureau of Heraldry. Great people and their registration is recognized. You can register with the American College, whose President is on this forum and is a wealth of information. You can register on the International Registry for about $150. Finally, being an American you can assume arms and use them. The chose is really yours and how you want to pursue. If you are an active member of your Clan I would talk to your Chief a bit on the matter... my CoA are registered with South Africa, and I spoke to my Chief regarding them. He recognizes them etc. Like you I wanted, and still want to, have them granted by the Lyon but my ancestry is pretty far back and I've as yet been unable to dig up enough records. And yes they are VERY expensive...

**EagleJCS** · 11th October 13, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

If you want a coat of arms from Lord Lyon, you need to prove male-line decent to someone in Scotland or lands held by the British Empire (e.g. the American colonies prior to 1776).

Kenneth, I've been told the date to shoot for is prior to September 3, 1783 (the date the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Revolutionary War). Before that date, the residents of the colonies were still considered subjects of the Crown.

**WVHighlander** · 12th October 13, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by EagleJCS

Kenneth, I've been told the date to shoot for is prior toSeptember 3, 1783 (the date the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Revolutionary War). Before that date, the residents of the colonies were still considered subjects of the Crown.

That is true. If you can prove ancestry in the colonies prior to 3 Sep 1783 then it would count for being a subject of the crown.

**Joseph McMillan** · 12th October 13, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by WVHighlander

That is true. If you can prove ancestry in the colonies prior to 3 Sep 1783 then it would count for being a subject of the crown.

As far as I'm concerned, it's not un-American to petition for a grant of arms from the English or Scottish heraldic authorities, but it is un-American to settle for 3 Sep 1783 as the date before which we were British subjects. Don't settle for anything later than 4 July 1776!

**WVHighlander** · 12th October 13, 06:52 PM

Technically, 2 July 1776 but declaring independence and winning independence are two different things.

**Sir Didymous** · 13th October 13, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by Joseph McMillan

As far as I'm concerned, it's not un-American to petition for a grant of arms from the English or Scottish heraldic authorities, but it is un-American to settle for 3 Sep 1783 as the date before which we were British subjects. Don't settle for anything later than 4 July 1776!

I'm covered on anything after 1773. My multi-great Grandfather was a tax collector in the colonies. However, I don't have that kind of money accessible for such a thing. I am currently waiting for a reply to an application with the US Heraldic Register.

**David Thorpe** · 14th October 13, 03:55 AM

Originally Posted by Sir Didymous

I am currently waiting for a reply to an application with the US Heraldic Register.

It may be a long wait. IIRC, they are defunct.

**Sir Didymous** · 14th October 13, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

It may be a long wait. IIRC, they are defunct.

Thanks for the heads up, however they are up and running again. I Emailed them late last night and have gotten a response already. They have re-designed their site and retouched all of their forms in the year they took off. I'm negotiating the blazon for an organizational arms as I await a reply on my personal arms. But thanks again.