Post Your Granted, Assumed or Desired Arms

[Chas]

Coat of Arms: Argent between in base a bear rampant and in chief between two crosses moline a raven beaked and armed Sable a fess Gules

Crest: A gryphon passant sable, holding a sword proper

Motto: Ego planto mea fortuna (I make my own fate.)

Hi John,

A bit of a design observation. I have often heard it said that unless it is part of a group (as the three lions in pale, from a previous post) one beast on a shield is more than enough. In your case, I think that you get away with it as the fess effectively brakes the shield neatly into two compartments.

My concern is with the crest. Yet another, but different beast. Making a total of three different animals. It is of course, your choice and decision, but I tend to favour the 'beasts on the shield - objects on the crest - or vice versa' formula.

How about a pair of crossed swords in saltire behind a cross moline? You could even go for something quite clever and have the cross voided so that the crossed swords can de seen through it.

If you are going to do this right, you will only do it once, but the decision will last (or should last ) your lifetime. Far better to take the extra time and consider all possibilities.

Just a thought.

Regards

Chas