Second Conquergood Arms Shield Device Plaque

I just finished the second the second shield device 5" x 7" plaque for Conquergood arms. This plaque destined for Michael McCartney (member of the American Heraldry Society) of California (for his wife who's maiden name these arms represent). Will be sending this off today. Painted using my typical method of water based acrylic paints and both matte and (on the gold border) gloss varnish.

Burke's General Armory Downloadable?

According to discussion on the AHS forums, it seems that "Burke's General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales" is downloadable from somewhere. Note to self: find and download this material!

Mantelado en Punta on Columbus's Arms

On October 12, 2012, Rodrigo Lopez-Portillo Y Lancaster-Jones posted the following image on the Heraldry Society group page on Facebook labeled as the coat of arms of Columbus & the Dukes of Veragua:

In response to the posted image, Kaj Malachowski asked "why is the "bottom-inescutcheon" upside-down?" to which Xavi Garcia replied: "Kaj Malachowski, this is not a "bottom-inescutcheon" reversed. This is an ordinary called in Spanish "mantelado en punta" and in French "mantelé in pointe".

As I understand it, the english heraldic term would be "tierced in point?"

(EDIT 10/19/2012: further discussion clarifies things in the comments for this post. - Jeff)

Donald Ryan Larson Shield of Arms

Donald Ryan Larson of Spokane, Washington

Blazon: Per fess fir-twigged Or and Azure in chief two tomahawks in saltire and in base Thor's hammer inverted all counterchanged.

Donald Ryan Larson

Armorial Design Questions for Clients

As an aspiring heraldist attempting to help someone design a coat of arms, do you wonder what the best questions to ask might be? Robert Blackard of the American Heraldry Society inspired me to think about this question.

After a few moments contemlation I came up with the following list of queries to achieve a design starting place:

1. Would you like to attempt a cant on your surname?
2. What is your favorite color (among the available tinctures)?
3. What is your favorite metal (among the available tinctures)?
4. Would you like to include other colors/metals or are two tinctures enough?
5. Is there a symbol or animal which alludes to your profession, ideals, religion, philosophy, identity, etc., which you would like to impress upon your descendants?
6. Is there an event which you feel marked your life which you would like to symbolize.
7. Do you want to incorporate a nod to ancestors or relatives in your arms?
8. Have you seen existing arms which you would like yours to be vaguely similar to?

Do these questions serve well enough? What additional questions do you think might be appropriate?

Plaque with Boyd Sylvester Garrison shield of arms.

Plaque with Boyd Sylvester Garrison shield of arms., a photo by jbgarrison72 on Flickr.

Finally finished the plaque for my dad showing his shield of arms.