Quote Originally Posted by smaughazard
Cajunscot is correct, there are no "family" coats-of-arms; instead a coat-of-arms belongs to an individual. It is sometimes possible to apply for your own, but it is not cheap.
Sorry I agree with you on this. I have fallen into the trap that others do with the phrasology of it all.

A quote from Sir Malcolm Innes of Edingight CVO, Lord Lyon King of Arms (then)

"While all the constituent elements of the Chiefly Arms - shield, crest and supporters - are the property of the individual Chief, every clansman can share in the pride of the Chief by displaying the crest badge, which consisits of the crest of the Chief within a strap and buckle and the Chief's motto."

This is where the pouplar misconception of Clan Coat of Arms comes in. People mistakenly think that the above is a coat of arms. It is the Chiefly Arms that the crest comes from.

A great expalnation is to be found on the present Lord Lyons website:

"The origin of the Coat of Arms was a jacket or tabard worn by a mediaeval Knight over his armour in order to identify himself. Nowadays the expression "Coat of Arms" is generally applied to what is officially called an "Achievement", which consists of various parts: a shield, helmet, mantling, wreath, crest, motto and sometimes supporters and decorations.

There is a widespread misconception that a family or a clan can have a family or clan Coat of Arms. Many heraldic and clan web sites and other media suggest that a person has the right to use the family or clan Arms. This is completely incorrect."

You can also apply on this site for your own coat of arms. As said above it is very expensive !!!!

My apologies for my mistake. Every day is a school day.