Re: family creast and coat of arms
-
In reply to:
family creast and coat of arms
Don Smith 12/23/06
Don, it doesn't look like anyone has answered you on the coat of arms or badge.A coat of arms was not a family coat of arms ,but that of an individual, usually someone of wealth or with a title.No one else was allowed to use it.A badge was often the same way.A family member or clan member under a chief(tain)could wear something similar.Example:the late John MacLeod of MacLeod (died feb. 12,2007) cheif of Clan MacLeod had a coat of arms drawn up by the College of Heralds for his use.His oldest son, if he becomes the chief cannot use his fathers coa, but he can modify it with a deviceshowing he is the eldest son.John's badge (worn on clothing and such was a Black bulls head facing with a flag on each side and the motto Hold Fast.A chieftain of the clan could wear the same thing with a band or belt around it with the motto on the band.A clansmen could wear the same bulls head, but with a garter around it with the motto in the garter.
I do not know of a clan badge that is specific to the Macaskills.The Macaskills were associated with the MacLeods of Harris and of Lewis so wearing the MacLeod clan crest badge is allowed.The Macaskills do have a tartan of their own.Based on the MacLeod of Harris(ancient) with white bordering the crossing stripes.
Hope this clarifies coa and badge use.
Gene Freeman