"Heraldry emerged at a time when fighting men became unrecognizable - to both friend and enemy - inside their suits of armour. The solution to the problem of identity lay in the shield, which could be decorated with a design that was as unique as a fingerprint and visible from a distance. As armorial bearings were handed down from one generation to the next, they came to indicate descent as well as identity." - The Complete Book of Heraldry
"The phrase 'coat of arms' is a variant of the more ancient term 'coat amour', which describes one of heraldry's principal accoutrements, the surcoat or tabard, which was worn for much of the late medieval period over a warrior's armour. Coat of arms is therefore something of a misnomer, for while it originally meant an actual garment bearing armorial devices, it has now come to represent the entire panoply of the personal achievement of arms, including shield, helm, crest, mantling, motto and supporters - but without any sign of an actual coat." - The Complete Book of Heraldry
OUR DATABASES
We use the top three Coats of Arms and Family Name History databases in the world. These are the same databases seen at the Disney themeparks, Las Vegas, in Europe and Australia. The databases have been thoroughly researched and the Coats of Arms are authentic. The Coats of Arms in our databases have been out of use by the original family for at least four generations or one hundred years which means you have every right to purchase copy for your wall.
The researchers try to go back as far as they can to the most original Coat of Arms they can find. Sometimes the Coat of Arms may be at odds with the Surname History. For instance some names from Denmark were presented with a Coat of Arms while the Danemark was under German rule thereby showing that the Coat of Arms as German.
If you are interested in having a Coat of Arms designed especially for you we also have an extensive graphics file. We also have the knowledge to design and man's arms and a lady's lozenge correctly.
