Getting a COA registered

[SlackerDrummer]

I had, HOWEVER, after emailing them three times and NO RESPONSE I gave up on that option.

It is my understanding that the NEHGS is very old school. You might try writing them a letter. As for their registry, it is the oldest and therefore, arguably, the most prestigious in the country. It is also a filing cabinet. Registration does not come with any sort of emblazonment, certificate or the like.

I had similar issues with the American College of Heraldry and the American Heraldry Society. I began to think an active-duty, combat vet, officer, with multiple degrees etc didn't qualify for the US organizations.

A former member here, Scotus, had his arms registered with NEGHS several years ago with no issues. He and I used to be members of AHS, but left for similar reasons as you describe.

As a current member of the board of governors of the American Heraldry Society, I'd be very interested to hear (here or by PM) your negative experiences with the organization. The AHS is not an arms registry and it is not in the business of designing arms, though there are certainly members who are experienced and willing to help.

I have the design done and it is well thought out etc. It has historical and familial meaning and I am chomping at the bit to get it registered.

The one I'm working on has similar familial and historical significance, too.

I'd be interested in seeing (or reading a blazon) of either of you guys' arms ideas. If you are going back to a Scottish ancestor (in terms of familial meaning), it is the practice of Lyon to go back to the oldest arms on record of the same name (regardless of relationship) and use them as a basis for designing the new arms. If there is a "chief of the name" the arms will be based on those.