For reasons that are not clear to me, I decided that the Glaser family needed an official coat of arms. After all, we are a high-class group, and an official United Kingdom coat of arms would be appropriate.
To be granted a coat of arms by the UK government, I had to prove, to the UK College of Arms, that I had an ancestor who was a British subject. This required finding records that showed that my great grandparents were born in Ireland.
I also had to provide evidence that I was a “gentleman.” A gentleman means that I am an honorable man who has made contributions to industry, military or the arts. Basically, they are trying to ensure that coats of arms are given to respectable people. No bums allowed.
A coat of arms is meant to represent “a family, individual, organization, or nation and serves as a visual symbol of their history, achievements, and traits.”
For interests, traits and accomplishments of my immediate family I picked:
- Outdoors/athletics – hiking, skiing, exercising
- Artist – author, illustrator and weaver
- Fondness for Cape Cod
- Sense of humor
- Curiosity
- Leadership in a profession
- Medicine and healthcare as a profession
Using the traits, a professional coat of arms designer designed the coat. The design must follow a bunch of conventions. For example, all UK coats need a helmet from a suit of armor and a family motto.
The coat has three sections: the Arms, the Crest and the Badge.
The Arms is the bottom portion of the coat (see photo). The background of the shield, is a “fretty” pattern, with a gold field and red “frets.” This is reminiscent of a weaving pattern, thus referring to artistic pursuits.
There are two black “flaunches” on the right and left of the shield. Each flaunch has a quill which is a writer’s tool. Within the central area of the shield, there are two cod fish, an allusion to Cape Cod. In the ribbon is a family motto “Treasure your beloved.”
The Crest is the area above the shield. The coronet (crown), depicted on top of a helmet above the shield, symbolizes leadership and professional accomplishment. The helmet visor is closed indicating that we are lesser nobility. The cod beginning to jump out of the coronet – “a fish out of water” -represents curiosity and humor.
The Badge (the bent arm) is worn by a person, often on clothes, symbolizing allegiance to the family.
The arm is the shape of Cape Cod. The arm (flexing) is also a symbol of strength, referring to industry leadership as well as physical strength, a requisite quality for outdoor pursuits. The quill is a symbol of artistic activities. The snake is a form of the Caduceus symbol of medicine.
The coat is pretty cool. I doubt you know many people who have an official family coat of arms. Even if they do, it’s probably not been granted by the grandaddy of all imperial monarchies – the UK.
I’d be surprised if flashing the coat at Costco or the movie theaters will get us an additional discount or enable us to go to the front of the line at an event. Still my family and I can now brag about having an official coat of arms. Even though we are lesser nobles, we are almost royalty.
Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to give holiday and birthday gifts with the Glaser coat of arms gracing a t-shirt, coffee mug and refrigerator magnet. My relatives are struggling to contain their excitement.
