Middle Kingdom - Internal Letter of Acceptances & Returns – November 2002 

This is the November 2002 Middle Kingdom Letter of Acceptances and Returns for Escutcheon and Keythong’s September Letters. Unless otherwise noted, all clients will accept changes. {Comments in braces {} were removed from the Letter of Intent sent to Laurel and the College of Arms. Names, devices, or badges in braces have been returned or pended; general comments or replies to commentary are also placed in braces. Thanks to Aryanhwy merch Catmael, Athenais Bryenniss, Knut, Ælfreda æt Æthelwealda, Mikhail of Lubelska, Rory mac Feidhlimidh, Angelique du Herrisson, John ap Wynne, Roberd mac Cormaic, Richenda de Jardin, Johann von Metten, and Janeta Chaucer and Jaelle of Armida for their commentary this month.} 

 

1) Brondolf the Stout. Change of Registered Name from Kenric of Rohan /Morgan Greenleaf and Change of Registered Device. Quarterly Or and vert.

The client’s currently registered name (Kenric of Rohan) was registered on 3/02. His device (Per pale argent and gules) was registered on 7/01. If this device is registered, he would like his old one to be RELEASED. The client also submitted a Change of Registered Name (for Morgan Greenleaf) on the 6/02 MK ELoI. If Morgan Greenleaf is registered by Laurel, the client requests that it be RELEASED as well.

‘Br{o,}ndólfr’ is found in Haraldsson (9) and inn digri (meaning “the Stout”) is in ibid (20). Client cares most about meaning and would prefer his name be registered in modern English. In addition to invoking Lingua Anglica for the byname, the client has slightly anglicized the given name. This is actually not a problem as Lind has numerous examples of accents being removed.

In internal commentary, a conflict was called with Sven Förlorad (Quarterly arrondi sable and Or) (reg’d 4/98), however, we believe that this is clear. There is one CD for changing half of the field and another for the change from arrondi, per the following precedent: “The question was raised in commentary as to whether gyronny arrondy is a CD from plain gyronny. While the chief enarched does not count for difference against a plain chief, on a field division such as arrondy we are willing to give the necessary CD.” (Ottar Hrafnsson, 5/98, p. 12)

{The history of the client’s previous submissions is extraordinarily complex and crosses two kingdoms with both external and internal returns. He has submitted at least four different names and eight different devices, registering and releasing several of them over a three year period. The client should be made aware that we have no “Frequent Registrant Program.”}

{The letter of permission to conflict with Gwen Wirion (Quarterly ermine and vert) was completely unnecessary as that client withdrew her submission on 8/02.} 

Name Commentary

Athenais: It should have been noted in the ILoI that <inn digri> means "stout, fat", so invoking the Lingua Anglica allowance is perfectly allowable. 

Ary: It should be noted that <inn digri> means "stout, fat." It occurred 7 times in the Landnamabok, making it the 9th most common byname. (http://www.sit.wisc.edu/~sfriedemann/names/vikbynames.htm)

Richenda , et al: no comment 

Device Commentary

Athenais: No conflicts found. 

Knut: ... by precedent (Ottar Hrafnsson, May 1998 LoAR, p. 12) there is one CD between gyronny and gyronny arrondy. [John Paul Devereaux, 03/01, A-Middle] Precedents - Elsbeth, under FIELD DIVISION – Gyronny. Sven Förlorad - April of 1998 (via Trimaris): Quarterly arrondi sable and Or. CD tincture, CD arrondi line Clear. 

Ary: I believe the arms conflict with Sven Förlorad, (reg. 4/98 via Trimaris), "Quarterly arrondi sable and Or." RfS X.4.a.ii.b says "(b) Complete Change of Tincture - If the fields of two pieces of field-primary armory have no tinctures in common, they are considered completely different and do not conflict, irrespective of any other similarities between them." These devices both share the tincture Or, and I do not believe that "quarterly" vs. "quarterly arrondi" is sufficient to invoke X.4.a.ii.a "(a) Substantial Change of Partition - If two pieces of field-primary armory have substantially different partitions, they are considered sufficiently different and do not conflict, irrespective of any other similarities between them." 

Richenda , et al: This looks to be clear 

 

{*) Charles Cedric Morton. New Device. Barry-bendy sinister argent and sable, a seadog rampant contourny gules, crined, langued and armed Or.

{Name reg’d 2/87}

{This is being returned for conflict with two badges from the Barony of Dun Carraig ([Fieldless] A sea-dog rampant to sinister gules) (reg’d 5/92) and ([Fieldless] A seadog rampant contourny gules maintaining a trident sable) (reg’d 7/00). In both cases, there is a single difference for the field. Please note that reversing the seadog would create a conflict with Walther von Stralsund (Vair en pointe, a sea-dog rampant gules) (reg’d 3/90). 

Device Commentary

Athenais: Normally the posture comes before any modifiers, thus rampant contourny. This is actually barry bendy sinister. Crining, languing, and arming are considered artistic details and are not normally blazoned. This may be shortened considerably by reblazoning it as Barry bendy sinister argent and sable, a seadog rampant contourny gules.

Unfortunately, this conflicts with two badges of the Barony of Dun Carraig: (Fieldless) A sea-dog rampant to sinister gules, registered 05/92 via Atlantia, with only one CD for the field, and (Fieldless) A seadog rampant contourny gules maintaining a trident sable, registered 07/00 via Atlantia, with one CD for the field, but nothing for the maintained trident. 

Knut: Barry-bendy sinister argent and sable, a seadog contourny rampant gules, finned, langued and armed Or.

Fins, not hair, and there is a definite sinister bias to the field.

Dun Carraig, Barony of - May of 1992 (via Atlantia): (Fieldless) A sea-dog rampant to sinister gules.

Dun Carraig, Barony of - July of 2000 (via Atlantia): (Fieldless) A seadog rampant contourny gules maintaining a trident sable. Single CDs for fieldless. Return for multiple conflicts 

Ary: This conflicts with a few badges of Dun Carraig (reg 05/92 via Atlantia), "(Fieldless) A sea-dog rampant to sinister gules" and (reg 07/00 via Atlantia), "(Fieldless) A seadog rampant contourny gules maintaining a trident sable." In both cases, there is one CD for the field. Turning the sea-dog around will bring it in to conflict with Walther von Stralsund, (reg 03/90 via the East), "Vair en pointe, a sea-dog rampant gules." 

Richenda , et al: This is barry bendy sinister. This is in conflict with the Barony of Dun Carraig, (Fieldess) A sea dog rampant to sinister gules. There is only one CD for change to the field and none for the crining, langing, or arming. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  Conflict with the badge of Dun Carraig, Barony of (reg 5/92) "(Fieldless) A sea-dog rampant to sinister gules."  There is one CD for the field, but nothing for the artistic details (crining, languing, arming).  There also possible conflict with a second Dun Carraig badge (reg 7/00) "(Fieldless) A seadog rampant contourny gules maintaining a trident sable".  Again, there is one CD for the field, but we are unsure if the trident will supply a second CD. 

Rory, et al.: Consider:  (Fieldless) A sea-dog rampant to sinister gules. (B:Dun Carraig, May 92).  1CD for the Fieldless. 

 

{*) Connacht O’Tighernain. New Name and Device. Bendy sinister vert and erminois.

{The name is being returned for lack of evidence for the given name. The client’s own documentation noted that the name is Cú Chonnacht and there is no indication that the first element can be dropped. This is especially a problem as Connacht is a place name, and there is no evidence that it could also be a given name. One solution is to add the first element of the name, but as the client allowed no major changes, we are prevented from doing so and return this for further consideration by the client himself.

The armory is being returned with the name, but we also feel that it is in conflict with Brenna the Disinherited (Bendy sinister of four vert, argent, purpure and argent) (reg’d 7/98) because both arms share the tincture vert and thus only have one difference between them.} 

Name Commentary

Athenais: <Cu Connacht> is one given name; without supporting evidence for the dropping of the first element, the name should be changed to reflect the documentation. Ó Corrain & Maguire (p.63, s.n. Cú Chonnact), state, "'hound of the Connacht-men.' This was a favourite name among the Maguires and O Reillys in the later middle ages." MacLysaght (pp. 284-5, s.n. Mac Ternan) gives the surname as Mac Tighearnáin, from tighearna, meaning "lord." <Cú Chonnact Mac Tighearnáin> would probably be a fine later period name. Something to note, however, is that the alternate Scots Gaelic title for "Lord" is <Tighearn(a)>, which may be a problem.

Submitted as Morwenna ferch y Pennaeth Ceinewydd, the name means Morwenna daughter of the chieftain of Ceinewydd. This, unfortunately, violates Rfs VI.1: Names containing titles, territorial claims, or allusions to rank are considered presumptuous. We have therefore dropped the patronymic. [Morwenna Ceinewydd, 03/01, A-An Tir]

I note that the surname has only been registered twice before, to Arianwen O'Tighearnain in 1989, and to Cathal Mac Tighearnain in 1995. 

Ary: The given name should be changed to one of the documented forms, either <Cú Chonnacht> or <Cu Connacht> (meaning "hound of Connacht"); <Connacht> is a place name, and thus cannot be a given name. <O'Tighernain> combines Gaelic and English orthography in the same phrase, which violates RfS III.1.a a. "Linguistic Consistency - Each phrase must be grammatically correct according to the usage of a single language." The fully Gaelic form is <Ó Thighernain>.  

Richenda , et al: Does Tighernain need to be lenited? 

John: There is the ancient county in Ireland, the west country – see Duffy (18-19); one of the four (or five, depending on who you look at or ask) kingdoms in Ireland dating from mythic times. See also Connolly (117); O’Corrain/Maguire (63-64)

Tighernain: see Conway (58): O’Corrain/Maguire (170-171); Norman (332) lists “MacTighearnain” as one of the most common surnames in Ireland between 3BC-1135 AD; see also Quinn (173) 

Device Commentary

Knut: Clear 

Ary: Unfortunately these lovely arms conflict with Brenna the Disinherited, (reg. 07/98 via An Tir), "Bendy sinister of four vert, argent, purpure and argent" because both arms share the tincture vert. 

Richenda , et al: This is in conflict with Brenna the Disinherited, Bendy sinister of four, vert, argent, purpure, and argent. Both pieces of armory are bendy sinister and share vert as a tincture. 

 

{*) Cúil Choluim, Shire of Group Device Resubmission. Purpure, on a chevron between three columbines Or slipped and leaved, three laurel wreaths vert.

{We had planned on pending this for one month as the client’s resubmitted name is coming to this office directly for expeditated resubmission. However, the flowers are more than half green. As a result, they are color (vert) on color (purpure) and do not provide the necessary contrast.} 

Device Commentary

Athenais: The first "Or" may be dropped from the blazon. A shorter blazon might be Purpure, on a chevron between three columbines Or slipped and leaved, three laurel wreaths vert. No conflicts found. Unfortunately, the device will have to be returned again for lack of a name, since Laurel returned the shire's name in 07/02. 

Knut: Purpure, on a chevron between three columbines Or slipped and leaved, three laurel wreaths vert. The chevron should be a little higher. Clear 

Ary: Their name was returned by Laurel 07/02,and thus their device must now be returned as well. Their original device, "Purpure, on a chevron between three columbines Or, three laurel wreaths vert," was returned by Rouge Scarpe 08/00 because their names returned. This new device looks okay except that by making the slips and leaves of the columbine vert, they have gone from all Or charges to mostly vert charges, making them color on color. Blazon-fu: "Purpure, on a chevron between three columbines Or slipped and leaved, three laurel wreaths vert. 

Richenda , et al: Just a bit of blazon foo – you don’t necessarily need the first Or in the blazon. This armory appears to be clear. 

 

2) Dicun Sailer of York. New Name.

Dicun is dated to 1207 in Reaney and Wilson (133, under “Dicken”) as a given name. The client cited the word “sailer” from the OED (2622) which dates it to c1400 with the contemporary naval meaning. Reaney and Wilson (389, s.n. Sailer) have a variety of period varients including Sayllur (1191-1210), Saylliur (1275), Salyour (1327), and Sayller (1327) with the meaning of “dancer.” York is dated by Mills (399) to 1086, although this particular spelling appears to be later and is not dated. 

Name Commentary

Athenais: <Sailor> is not documented in the ILoI. Simply citing the title and page number of a book is not documentation. Reaney & Wilson (p. 389, s.n. Sailer), list <Herbert le Sayllur> 1191-1210, <Hugh le Saylliur> 1275, <Robert le Salyour> 1327, <John Sayller> 1327, from the Old French sailleor, salleor, sailleur, saillur, 'dancer.' 

Ary: Reaney & Wilson s.n. Sailor have <le Sayllur> 1191-1210, 1275, <le Salyour> 1327, and <Sayller> 1327. They derive the name from the OFr sailleor, salleor, sailleur, saillur ‘dancer.’ (I mention this because the client may not be aware of the derivation, and think it means ‘sailor’–the OED citation is useless without dates.) Lovely resubmission! 

Richenda , et al: Withycombe (s.n. Richard) also lists Dicun as a medieval diminutive. R&W (s.n. Sailer) lists Herbert Sayllur 1191-1210. The two elements are datable to the same time period. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  Sailer dated in this spelling to 1400's.

From Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition (online version): Sailer

 1. a. One who sails. Now rare.

  a1400-50 Alexander 4359 We ere na sailers on e see to sell ne to byi. c1400 Destr. Troy 4589 All softe was the see to sailers erin. 1513 DOUGLAS Æneis I. iii. 43 On the huge deip quhen [= wheen, few] salaris did appear [Virg. adparent rari nantes in gurgite vasto]. 

Rory, et al.: Reaney & Wilson has Sailer (p.389), but without any dates for the submitted spelling.  Does the OED citation in the ILoI give a date for this spelling of the name? 

 

3) Duvessa of Movilla. New Device. Per chevron argent and azure, in chief a rose slipped and leaved fesswise and in base six gouttes three, two, and one, counterchanged.

{Name Reg: 5/99} 

Device Commentary

Athenais: The gouttes can either be in semy (gouty), or blazoned specifically, but not both. I suspect that "three, two, and one" is the default arrangement for six items, so it can be dropped altogether. The rose is not "to sinister", but is fesswise. This would be better blazoned as Per chevron argent and azure, a rose slipped and leaved fesswise and six gouttes d'eau counterchanged. No conflicts found.

[Or, five birds volant two one and two sable] This device conflicts with ... Or, six ravens close sable. ... There is no CD for arrangement, since six charges cannot be two one and two, and five charges cannot be arranged three two and one. [Robert of Gresewode, 09/01, R-Caid]  

Knut: Argent, in chief a rose slipped and leaved fesswise and on a point pointed azure six goutes d'eau three, two and one. This isn't per chevron since it doesn't go above the fess line.  It isn't a point pointed since it reaches the fess point.  This is the inversion of the pile/chief triangular/per chevron inverted/chaussé drawing problem.

This isn't gouty because the goutes do not fill the available area.

Per chevron argent and azure, in chief a rose slipped and leaved fesswise and in base six goutes three, two and one all counterchanged is clear if drawn properly. Return for violating RfS VII.7.a 

Ary: If a field is goutty, then the placement of the gouttes shouldn't be specified. If the client is wedded to this exact arrangement, it should be blazoned as such: "six gouttes, three, two, and one." Blazon-fu: "Per chevron argent and azure, in chief a rose slipped and leaved to sinister and in base six gouttes three, two, and one, counterchanged." 

Richenda , et al: This blurs the distinction between per chevron and a point pointed. The point of the per chevron line does not come above the midpoint of the armory. As such, I think it should be returned. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  Six gouts, arranged specifically, do not a seme make.  We suggest reblazon as follows:  "Per chevron argent and azure, in chief a rose slipped and leaved fesswise azure, and in base six goutes d'eau, three, two and one." 

 

4) Ealdnortwalde, Canton of. New Group Name and Device. Argent, a fess wavy azure between three laurel wreaths sable, overall a pine tree couped gules.

The name is intended to mean “Old North Woods” and is constructed from the following themes (all taken from Ekwall): Oldland (333) – spelled Aldelande (in the Domesdaye) and Oldelonde (in 1327); Oldmixton (333) –spelled Almixton (1200) and Alder or Eldemixne (1202); Oldbury on the Hill (333) – spelled Ealdanbyri (972) and Audeburia (1220).

Northwood (328) – spelled Northwode (1438) or Northwode (1287-90). Northwald (“North forest”) (328) – spelled Northuuold (970) and Nortwalde (dated to the Domesdaye). A petition of support for the name, device, and the badge (submitted below) is included. The clients care most about meaning. 

Name Commentary

Ary: Lovely name!!  

Richenda , et al: No comment 

Ælfreda, et al.:  If we are reading the client's documentation correctly, this name is Old English for "Old North Woods".  We are concerned that this may conflict with the Barony of the North Woods (reg 1/74), via RfS V.2.c

"Rfs V.2.c - Conflict of Names with Different Numbers of Elements - Two non-personal names with different numbers of descriptive elements conflict if the only difference in the descriptive parts is the addition of one or more modifiers to a single, already modified root element.

“The addition of one or more modifiers to an unmodified noun is a significant change, so Black Lion Herald does not conflict with Lyon King of Arms . The Order of the Black Rampant Lion conflicts with the Black Lion Herald , however, since Rampant is added to an already modified noun. (Adding further modifiers to an already modified noun is not a significant change because it is generally not good period style. ) The Order of the Black Lions Heart does not conflict with the Black Lion Herald since the added element, Heart , is not a modifier. Similarly, the Order of the Tower and the Sword does not conflict with the Order of the Sword."

Since "Woods" is an already modified noun, adding an additional modifier "Old" is not significant enough to clear this conflict. 

Device Commentary

Knut: Clear 

Ary: Blazon-fu: "Argent, a fess wavy azure between three laurel wreaths sable, overall a pine tree gules." 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

 

5) Ealdnortwalde, Canton of. New Group Badge. (Fieldless) A pine tree gules.

{Submitted on this LoI} 

Badge Commentary

Knut: Clear 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

 

6) Edyth Miller. New Device. Azure a fess wavy argent in dexter chief a narwhal naiant embowed head contourny Or.

{Name submitted on 7/02 MK LoI}

{Ary: note the recent registration of Narwhals in 2001. Unless there is a countervaling precedent, I will take that recent registration as a sign that we are currently accepting Narwhals.} 

Device Commentary

Athenais: The narwhal isn't "head to sinister," but it is contourny. No conflicts found. 

Knut: Azure a fess wavy argent in chief a narwhal naiant embowed head to sinister Or.

Gemma Meen. Device. Purpure, on a tower argent masoned a dog rampant sable. This conflicts with a badge of Aelfric se Droflic, (Fieldless) On a tower argent, an acorn sable. The dog was blazoned "in base" on the

Letter of Intent, and it is indeed drawn somewhat towards the base. However, the charge is drawn large enough to fill much of the same space taken by the acorn in Aelfric's badge. Therefore the placement change is not significant enough to contribute towards X.4.j.i. difference. LoAR 01/02 R-An Tir

The narwhal is large enough to be simply in chief, not in dexter chief. Clear 

Ary: Narwhals are not appropriate pre 1600 heraldic charges; the term "narwhal" only dates to 1646 (according to www.m-w.com), which is almost out of our grey area. This should be returned for use of a post-period non-heraldic charge. 

Richenda , et al: The fess needs deeper waves. I don’t know if it should be returned. Reblazon the head as contourny. This appears to be clear 

 

{*) Edyth Miller. New Badge. (Fieldless) A narwhal naiant embowed contourny Or.

{Name submitted on 7/02 MK LoI}

{The badge is being returned for conflict with Eiríkr Ásgeirsson (Sable, a narwhal naiant contourny Or) (reg’d 7/01). There is a difference for the field, but none for the posture as “the naiant posture often includes a slight embowment” per standing Laurel precedent. The client may want to try changing the tincture of the monster in order to clear this conflict but should be aware that other conflicts may appear.}

{Ary: note the recent registration of Narwhals in 2001. Unless there is a precedent otherwise, I will take that recent registration as a sign that we are currently accepting Narwhals.} 

Badge Commentary

Athenais: The narwhal isn't "head to sinister," but it is contourny. No conflicts found. 

Knut: Prior rulings notwithstanding, there is no difference between naiant and naiant "embowed": the naiant posture often includes a slight embowment. (Aldwin Wolfling, July, 1992, pg. 21) Precedents - Bruce, under posture

Eiríkr Ásgeirsson - July of 2001 (via Calontir): Sable, a narwhal naiant contourny Or. Single CD for fieldless. Return for conflict 

Ary: Narwhals are not appropriate pre 1600 heraldic charges; the term "narwhal" only dates to 1646 (according to www.m-w.com), which is almost out of our grey area. This should be returned for use of a post-period non-heraldic charge. 

Richenda , et al: Consider a possible conflict with Eirikr Asgeirsson, Sable, a narwhal contourny Or. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  From the Precedents of Bruce Draconarius of Mistholme:

"Prior rulings notwithstanding, there is no difference between naiant and naiant "embowed": the naiant posture often includes a slight embowment. (Aldwin Wolfling, July, 1992, pg. 21)"

We find conflict with Eiríkr Ásgeirsson (reg 7/01) "Sable, a narwhal naiant contourny Or".  There is one CD for the field. 

 

{*) Elspeth Clerk. New Badge. Argent, on a tower azure a cross crosslet counterchanged.

{This is being returned for conflict with Kelan McBride of Arainn ( [Fieldless] On a tower azure a dragon's head couped contourny argent) (reg’d 4/96) and with Muirghein ni Ghrainne ([Fieldless] On a tower azure a hawk displayed argent) (reg’d 6/96).  In both cases, there is only one CD for the change to the field. The cross crosslet is a tertiary is provides no difference.}

{To Ary: Unfortunately, this is not simple armory for the purposes of X.j.ii, as much as I would have liked to agree with you. The Rules state:

“Simple cases are defined by the following clauses. The word charge refers both to charged and to uncharged charges unless it is specifically qualified; a group of charges may contain one or more charges. A charge is suitable for the purposes of this rule if (a) it it simple enough in outline to be voided, and (b) it is correctly drawn with an interior substantial enough to display easily recognizable charges.”

A tower is not a voidable charge and thus this cannot be considered simple armory.} 

Badge Commentary

Athenais: The cross is on the tower. The Glossary of Terms says, regarding upon, "An ambiguous term which should be avoided in blazon." It would actually be shorter to blazon this Argent, on a tower azure a cross crosslet argent. No conflicts found. 

Knut: I don't like the way the top and bottom of the tower follow the edge of the roundel.  There can be identifiability issues.

Felice of Mayhem House - January of 1973: Argent, a broken tower azure, the upper half bendwise, illumined Or. CD orientation of half of primary group, CD tertiary? An arrow slit window similar to a cross crosslet is possible – visual call.

Kelan McBride of Arainn - April of 1996 (via Caid): (Fieldless) On a tower azure a dragon's head couped contourny argent. Muirghein ni Ghrainne - June of 1996 (via the West): (Fieldless) On a tower azure a hawk displayed argent. Single CDs for fieldless.

Frederic of the West Tower - January of 1973: Argent, a tower sable, on its base a cross patonce voided argent. CD for primary tincture, CD for type and arrangement of tertiary. Possible X.5 conflict.

Return for multiple conflicts. 

Ary: This does not conflict with Kelan McBride of Arainn, (reg. 04/96 via Caid), "(Fieldless) On a tower azure a dragon's head couped contourny argent" or Muirghein ni Ghrainne, (reg. 06/96 via the West), "(Fieldless) On a tower azure a hawk displayed argent." In both cases, there is one CD for the field, and, since Elspeth's badge is simple, one CD for substantially changing the type of tertiary, by RfS X.4.j.ii. 

Richenda , et al: This is in conflict with Kelan McBride or Arainn, (Fieldless) On a tower azure, a dragon’s head couped contourny argent. There is one CD for the change to the field but no CD for the change of the tertiary. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  This badge does not follow the definition of a "simple case", defined in RfS X.4.j.ii, as a tower is not simple enough in outline to be voided.

We find conflict with Kelan McBride of Arainn (reg 4/96) "(Fieldless) On a tower azure a dragon's head couped contourny argent", and with Muirghein ni Ghrainne (reg 6/96) "(Fieldless) On a tower azure a hawk displayed argent".  In both cases, there is only one CD for the field. 

 

7) Emmelyne de Marksbury. Change of Registered Name from Rayna Haakonardottir.

Withycombe (104) has Emelyne dated to 1292 under the modern header of “Emmeline.” If the client’s preferred spelling is not acceptable, she does accept minor changes, so we could drop an “m.” Ekwall (315) has Marksbury as a header and dates Merkesburi to 936 and Merceberie to the Domesdaye Boke. We would attest that the “modern” spelling is probably acceptable by the 14^th or 15^th century but cannot provide solid evidence to support our belief. Client will NOT accept MAJOR changes.

If this name is accepted, she would like her current name, Rayna Haakonardottir (reg’d 12/88) RELEASED. 

Name Commentary

Athenais: Simply citing titles and page numbers is not documentation. Withycombe (2^nd ed., p. 98, s.n. Emmeline), does not list this spelling. She does list <Emelyne> dated to 1292 and <Emeline> dated to 1422, so <Emmelyne> could be a plausible spelling. CHECK EKWALL 

Ary: Simply citing sources and page numbers is not sufficient for documentation; dates and spellings must be included as well. Withycombe s.n. Emmeline have <Emelina> 1199-1219, 1319, <Emelyne> 1292, <Emelyn> 1379, <Emeline> 1422. I see no evidence for the <-mm-> spelling before modern times; Withycombe explicitly dates <Emmeline> as an 18^th century revival. Ekwall s.n. Marksbury has <Merkesburi> 705, 936, <Mercesburh> 941, <Mercesberie> 1086. Unfortunately, I can’t find any later dates, but suspect that for the 14^th or 15^th century, the modern form would be appropriate. <Emelyne de Marksbury> is a great name. 

Richenda , et al: Withycombe (s.n. Emmeline) dates Emelyne to 1292 and Emelyn to 1379. The spelling requested is not dated to period. 

 

8) Erníne inghean ui Fiannaidhe. New Name and Device. Gules, a martlet argent and on a chief embattled Or, a mullet between two crescents sable.

The given name is found in Ó Corráin and Maguire (89) as the older spelling. The byname, on the other hand is a Gaelic spelling found in MacLysaght (106, under “Feeney”). The client will NOT accept MAJOR changes, cares most about sound, and wishes to have an authentic name for an unspecified period in Ireland.

{To all: the “vi Fiannaidhe” was a typo.} 

Name Commentary

Athenais: Shouldn't the patronymic be inghean ui? 

Ary: That should be <inghean ui>, not <inghean vi>.  

Richenda , et al: I am unfamiliar with the form inghean vi.  

John: Ernine: see O’Corrain/Maguire (89); Conway (40). Fiannaidhe: see MacLysaght (106); Quinn (89) 

Device Commentary

Athenais: The PicDic (s.n. MARTLET) states that the martlet is close by default, so that may be dropped from the blazon. No conflicts found. 

Knut: Clear 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

Rory, et al.: Rather complex design. 

 

9) Gorm Bola. New Device. Argent, in pale a raven displayed and an axe fesswise reversed sable, a bordure purpure.

{Name Submitted on 6/02 MK LoI} 

Device Commentary

Knut: ...Additionally any bird other than an eagle in a displayed posture will be considered a "weirdness"... Precedents - Elsbeth; under Bird -- Precedent on Difference

The raven displayed is a weirdness. Clear

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

 

{*) Greyhope, Shire of. Change of Registered Device Resubmission. Azure, within a laurel wreath, a sea dragon Or maintaining in his dexter claw an anchor argent.

{Name reg’d 2/87}

{This is being returned for redrawing again. Laurel wreaths must be drawn circular or nearly circular in shape, while this one is drawn as a V-shape. We also believe that the design, even if redrawn correctly, would be in conflict with the Barony of Draconia (Azure, within a laurel wreath argent a dragon volant Or) (reg’d 4/73) with only one difference for the change to the tincture of the wreath.} 

Device Commentary

Athenais: Typo: wreath. The laurel wreath still doesn't look like a wreath. A wreath should be nearly circular; this one looks like a "U". When the device is returned for conflict this time, someone may want to show the shire what a proper laurel wreath looks like, so they can avoid the problem on their next try.

... the laurel wreath is not drawn correctly. "A properly drawn laurel wreath should not have sufficient room between its tips to place another charge. [Darkstone, College of, 02/00, R-Middle]" [Uma, Shire of, 10/01, R-Drachenwald]  

Knut: Barony of Draconia (4/73) Azure, within a laurel wreath argent a dragon volant Or. CD wreath tincture, CD erect vs. volant - clear

Sarkanyi Gero - January of 1973: Azure, a three-headed wivern Or, armed and langued, wings doubled

gules. CD wreath, probable CD statant vs erect.  (I just don't trust blazons this old)

... the laurel wreath is not drawn correctly. "A properly drawn laurel wreath should not have sufficient room between its tips to place another charge. [Darkstone, College of, 02/00, R-Middle]" [Uma, Shire of, 10/01, R-Drachenwald] and It must also be returned for stylistic reasons. Laurel wreaths must, by long standing precedent, be drawn in a circular, or mostly circular, shape. V shaped laurel wreathes are not acceptable. [Fiodnach Eoghan,

Shire of, 11/01, R-Trimaris] Both from precedents - François, under wreath

The wreath needs to be round as in circular, not merely curved. Clear if properly drawn. Return for redraw. 

Ary: This needs to be redrawn again. From Francois's precedents: "... the laurel wreath is not drawn correctly. "A properly drawn laurel wreath should not have sufficient room between its tips to place another charge. [Darkstone, College of, 02/00, R-Middle]" [Uma, Shire of, 10/01, R-Drachenwald]"

Also, as Escutcheon cited, this redraw is in conflict with the Barony of Draconia (4/73) "Azure, within a laurel wreath argent a dragon volant Or," with one CD for the tincture of the wreath 

Richenda , et al: This is not a laurel wreath per Elsbeth: We have returned a number of "laurel wreaths" that are actually two sprigs in saltire in the past. This device has the same problem; a laurel wreath should be a wreath; i.e., it should be circular or nearly so. This must be returned for redrawing. Also, while not grounds for return, please inform the submitters that the rays of a sun usually fill the available space on the outline of the center orb. [Easaraigh, Shire of, 01/00, R-Meridies] This should be returned. 

 

10) Gulli-Grenjaðr. Name Resubmission. {and Device Resubmission. Argent, a rat rampant within a tressure sable.}

The client’s original name (Gulli av Grendelag) was returned by Laurel on 4/02 because it lacked a given name. She has changed the name, retaining Gulli as a byname and adding Grenjadr as her given name.

Gulli- is dated to 1325 in Lind Norsk-Iskländska Dopnamn (400) as a prefixive byname meaning “gold.” Grenjadr is a given name in Haraldsson (10). It is apparently a Viking name found in the Landnãmabõk. She cares most about the sound of the name.

{The device is being returned for redrawing. The “tressure” is not identifiable as such and looks more like a mini bordure, which doesn’t really exist. If the client wishes to submit a tressure, this needs to be correctly depicted on the emblazon. If she wishes to have a bordure, then this should be fed.} 

 

Name Commentary

Athenais: Note to Escutcheon: The standard ASCII code for a lowercase eth is ALT + 0240. (At least on Windows systems, you can find the ASCII codes by checking the Character Map, which is usually somewhere under "Accessories.") The CoA uses Da'ud-ed text to represent those letters not normally or easily found on Western computers. The eth is represented as ð. A full listing of Da'ud-ed text can be found online at < http://www.scadian.net/heraldry/daud.html >. 

Ary: Because <Gulli-> is a prefixed byname, this should be <Gulli-Grenjadr> with the dash and without the space. <d> is not an appropriate transliteration for edh; it should be <dh>. However, since the client's forms have an edh on them, and since that is the documented form, I recommend that the name be corrected to that. [Note to Escutcheon - the edh is found in the Windows character map right between ï and ñ.] 

Richenda , et al: No comment. 

Device Commentary

Athenais: That's not a tressure, it's a line. As a tressure is a diminutive of an orle and we don't register single diminutives, this will have to be returned for a redraw. If the submitter used a standard orle, there would be no problem.  

Knut: Argent, a rat rampant sable. This isn't a tressure, it's a line.  This is thin line heraldry, unidentifiable at any distance. Clear with or without the tressure. Return for redraw 

Ary: This is not a tressure, which is a diminutive of an orle, but a diminutive of a bordure (of which there is no such thing as far as I know). This needs to be redrawn either as a full-fledge bordure, which would be at least twice as thick, or as a correctly drawn tressure, which does not touch the edges of the field. 

Richenda , et al: This is thin line heraldry. I, and my commenting team, originally thought this indicated a border. I think this qualifies as thin line heraldry. This appears to be clear. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  While a tressure may be a diminuative of the orle, the one in the picture is only a single line.  Feed the tressure. 

Rory, et al.: Feed the bordure! 

 

11) Gwenllian of Tenby. New Name.

Gwenllian found in “The Chronicle of Ystrad Fflur” online at http://www.webexcel.ndirect.co.uk/ gwarnant/hanes/chronicle/chroniclearglwyddrhys.htm and dated to 1190. Tenby is a medieval town in the south of Wales and dated to 1187 or before in ibid. The given name is also found in Jones, “A Simple Guide to Constructing 16th Century Welsh Names (in English Contexts)” http://www.sca.org/heraldry/laurel/welsh16.html. The client desires to have an authentic Welsh name.

It has been suggested that the name might be more authentic as Gwenllian Tenby (without the “of”). As the client accepts changes, this seems likely to be an acceptable sort of change to make. 

Name Commentary

Ary: Both <Gwenlliana> and <Gwenllyan> are found in Tangwystyl's "A Simple Guide to Constructing 16th Century Welsh Names (in English Contexts)" (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/tangwystyl/welsh16.html), so the form <Gwenllian> is reasonable. The English <of> is out of place in an otherwise Welsh name; Welsh formed locatives simply by appending the town name to the given name, e.g. <Morgant Glasvryn>, <Catmael Caermyrdin>, or <Gwenllian Tenby>. 

Richenda , et al: The commenting team can not determine if this name has been normalized. 

John: Gwenllian: see Norman (171, 178, 184, 191), listing names as widely used in Wales between 47AD-1535AD. See also Conway (89); Todd (47), Gruffudd (50). Tenby: beautiful scenic town in Pembrokeshire, wales, see Vaughan-Thomas & Llewellyn (332-333) 

 

12) Ingram of Keth. New Name and Device. Argent, six caltrops three two one sable and a chief indented gules.

Withycombe (162) has Ingram dated to 1379. Keth is taken from Black (388, under “Keith”) who has an Antoun of Keth dated to 1484. Client will NOT accept MAJOR changes and wants a name compatible with the 14^th-15^th centuries. 

Name Commentary

Ary: Withycombe s.n. Ingram date this spelling to 1379, putting this right in the client’s desired time period. 

Richenda , et al: No comment 

Device Commentary

Athenais: Since there are only six caltrops, they should probably be specifically blazoned as such; however, I suspect that "three, two, and one" is the default arrangement for six charges, so it may be dropped from the blazon: Argent, six caltrops sable and a chief indented gules. No conflicts found.

[Or, five birds volant two one and two sable] This device conflicts with ... Or, six ravens close sable. ... There is no CD for arrangement, since six charges cannot be two one and two, and five charges cannot be arranged three two and one. [Robert of Gresewode, 09/01, R-Caid] 

Knut: Six is enough for a semé and this fills the available space. Clear 

Ary: Lovely arms!  

Richenda , et al: This is six caltrops, three, two and one, not a seme. These charges are not strewn on the field. 

Rory, et al.: We agree with Escutcheon - these caltrops are not really seme and should be re-blazoned (unless Rouge Scarpe wishes to contact the client for a re-draw before sending it on to Laurel). 

 

13) Isabel de Montacute. New Name.

For documentation, the client submitted genealogical database material, which we have attempted to improve on. Isabel is dated to 1284 in Withycombe (164). Reaney and Wilson (313) have a William de Montacute adted to 1255. Client will NOT accept MAJOR or MINOR changes.

{To all: the Monatcute on the ILoI was a typo} 

Name Commentary

Athenais: Genealogical databases and websites have been ruled as unacceptable documentation in the past:

Heinemann was documented from ancestry.com. The April 2001 LoAR stated the following in regards to the submitted name Sueva the Short:

The given name was documented from Roberts, Notable Kin: An Anthology of Columns First Published in the NEHGS NEXUS, 1986-1995. While we have no reason to doubt the quality of the genealogical research, the goals of genealogists are different from ours and their data is not necessarily applicable to SCA use. The same issue applies to documentation from genealogy Web sites including ancestry.com. They cannot be relied on for documentation for spelling variants.

[Tatiana Heinemann, 08/01, A-Trimaris]

Withycombe (2^nd ed., pp. 156-7, s.n. Isabel[la]) dates <Isabel(l)> to 1273 and 1284, and <Isabel> to 1542. Ekwall does not list <Monatcute> (The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names, p. 330, s.n. Montacute), but does list <Montacute>, and dates <Monteacuto> to 1156, stating, "A French name identical with Montaigu in France....Montacute means 'pointed hill'." 

Ary: I'm assuming <Monatcute> is a typo for <Montacute>. Genealogical material alone is not sufficient for documentation. From the 04/01 cover letter:

"The given name was documented from Roberts, Notable Kin: An Anthology of Columns First Published in the NEHGS NEXUS, 1986-1995. While we have no reason to doubt the quality of the genealogical research, the goals of genealogists are different from ours and their data is not necessarily applicable to SCA use. The same issue applies to documentation from genealogy Web sites including ancestry.com. They cannot be relied on for documentation for spelling variants."

And from the 11/01 LoAR: "The only documentation provided for Nickerson was from a genealogy webpage. As genealogy sources routinely normalize spellings, they are not suitable for documentation of SCA name submissions on their own."

Withycombe s.n. Isabel(la) list the following forms: <Isabele> 1196, <Isabella> 1199, 1379, <Isabel(l)> 1284, 1273, <Issabell> 1450, 1535, and <Ezabell> 1471. <Isabel> should be fine for the 14^th century. Reaney & Wilson s.n. Montacute have <de Montagud>, <de Monte Acuto> 1084, <de Montacute> 1255, <de Montagu> 1312. <Isabel de Montacute> is a fine 14^th C Norman name, with <Isabel de Montagu>, using an explicitly French and 14^th C form, being perhaps more likely. 

Richenda , et al: The 1292 Paris Census contains Ysabel. Withycombe (s.n. Isabel(la)) dates Isabel to 1273. 

 

14) James DeLawton. New Name and Device. Sable, three swords proper, on a chief embattled Or two ravens sable.

James is dated to c1240 in Withycombe (171). Reaney and Wilson (273, under “Lawton”) have “de Lauton” dated to 1205 and “Lawton” dated to 1642.

{Athenais and Rory: In Kingdom, we don’t insta-boing names for lacking documentation, unless we can’t find anything ourselves, as it is our job to fix names, not return them. My thanks to you for your efforts in making our clients’ submissions registerable instead of returnable.} 

Name Commentary

Athenais: No documentation included with a submission can be grounds for an automatic return. Withycombe (2^nd ed., pp. 163-4, s.n. James) dates <James> to c.1240. Reaney & Wilson (p. 273, s.n. Lawton) date <Adam de Lauton'> to 1205, <Philip de Lauton> to 1281, and <Robert Lawton> to 1642. <de Lawton> should be a plausible late period spelling. No conflicts found. 

Ary: Reaney & Wilson s.n. Lawton have <de Lauton’> 1205 and <de Lauton> 1281. Withycombe s.n. James date the name in this spelling to c1240. <James de Lauton> is an excellently well documented name. 

Richenda , et al: Withycombe (s.n. James) dates James to 1240. R&W (s.n. Lawton) dates Lauton 1205 and Lawton 1642, but we could not find DeLawton. 

Rory, et al.: The Administrative Handbook clearly states that "...The submitter bears the primary responsibility for meeting procedural requirements....  Documenting evidence must be included for all name elements...."

However, James is easy - Withycombe dates it to 1148.  Lawton is in Reaney & Wilson (P.273), Robert Lawton, 1624. 

Device Commentary

Knut: Clear 

Richenda , et al: These are not ravens on the chief; they lack the hairiness that a raven has. They are birds. This appears to be clear. 

 

{*) James DeLawton for Ravenscraft. New Household Name

{This is being returned for a lack of suitable documentation. The name is also being returned for the lack of a designator. The Rules for Submission (III.2.b) state: "Branch names, names of orders and awards, heraldic titles, and household names must consist of a designator that identifies the type of entity and at least one descriptive element."

{Richenda: what is Ravenscroft? Is it registered?} 

Name Commentary

Athenais: There is no designator on the household name, which is required by RfS III.2.b: "Branch names, names of orders and awards, heraldic titles, and household names must consist of a designator that identifies the type of entity and at least one descriptive element." No documentation included with a submission can be grounds for an automatic return.

I was unable to find any variant of <Ravenscraft> in my sources, although I note that Reaney & Wilson (p. 117, s.n. Croft) list <William Craft, Cruft> 1353 and <John Craft, Croft> 1367, giving the meaning as "dweller by the croft(s)". R&W also list (p. 372, s.n. Raven) <William Raven> 1133-60 and <Elena Ravenes> 1312.

<House Ravenscraft> may be a plausible name construction, based on the idea of a surname <Ravenscraft>, meaning "dweller by Raven's croft" or "dweller by the raven-croft." Other examples of compound names using <raven> in Reaney & Wilson include (p. 372, s.n. Ravenhall) <William Ravenild> 1276, <Nicholas de Rauenhull'> 1230, meaning "From Ravenhill (NRYorks) or some other 'raven-hill'"; and (p. 373, s.n. Ravenshaw) <Stephen de Ravenshagh> 1332, <Robert Ravenshaw, Ramshaw> 1606, meaning "dweller by the raven-wood."

Ary: This household name lacks a designator, and could be returned for that reason alone. However, it also does not follow the rules for household names as ennumerated in RfS. 2.b.iv "Household Names - Household names must follow the patterns of period names of organized groups of people. Possible models include Scottish clans (Clan Stewart), ruling dynasties (House of Anjou), professional guilds (Bakers Guild of Augsburg, Worshipful Company of Coopers), military units (The White Company), and inns (House of the White Hart)." 

Richenda , et al: This is in conflict with Ravenscroft. 

Rory, et al.: The Administrative Handbook clearly states that "...The submitter bears the primary responsibility for meeting procedural requirements....  Documenting evidence must be included for all name elements...."

         Submission needs a designator. 

 

15) Kathleen O’Dea. New Name and Device. Sable, three spiders, on a chief triangular Or a full drop spindle pierced by a needle sable.

Kathleen was ruled SCA-compatible in 3/02. MacLysaght (76) has O Dea and notes it was common (although without the O) in period: "One of the principal Dalcassian septs. Away from its homeland it is usually mispronounced as O'Dee.... The prefix O is now almost always used, but a century ago Dea was quite usual and the English Day was regarded as synonomous." Client will NOT allow creation of a holding name. 

Name Commentary

Athenais: The name is a good Anglicized Irish name. However, the IloI is a little misleading as to what the documentation sources actually say. Ó Corrain & Maguire state (p. 45, s.n. Caiterína), "The name has been translated into English as Kathleen..." Withycombe's reference to <Kathleen> being used in Ireland is obviously a reference to modern usage. What MacLysaght actually says about O'Dea (p. 76, s.n. O Dea) is, "One of the principal Dalcassian septs. Away from its homeland it is usually mispronounced as O'Dee.... The prefix O is now almost always used, but a century ago Dea was quite usual and the English Day was regarded as synonomous." 

Ary: Kathleen is an Anglicized Irish form of the Gaelic name Caitilín, which itself derives from the Old French Cateline. Forms of Caitilín have been found in Gaelic dating to the early 15th C and later. This leaves a limited amount of time for Caitilín to become firmly established enough to generate the Anglicized form Kathleen. At this time, no documentation has been found that Kathleen was used in period.

Kathleen has been registered 45 times in the last two decades with at least one registration in every year except two. This demonstrates consistent popularity of the name. Regarding recent popularity of the name, there are two submissions this month that include Kathleen as a given name. Additionally, it was registered once in 2001, once in 1999, and four times in 1998. Given this level of popularity, it is reasonable to consider Kathleen SCA compatible."

<Kathleen> is not a period name, but it was ruled SCA-acceptible on the March 2002 LoAR. See Kathleen Hosspituller under Caid acceptances: "No documentation was presented and none has been found that Kathleen is a period name. However, given the level of popularity of this name, it is hereby ruled SCA compatible. See the Cover Letter for more details." The cover letter from that LoAR says: "Two submissions this month raised discussion regarding whether or not Kathleen is a period name. 

Richenda , et al: O’Dea is not dated in OC&M. 

John: Kathleen: client’s sources are okay. O’Day: see Quinn (73) 

Device Commentary

Athenais: The chief triangular is nonexistant on the black and white miniemblazon. The needle is not "point to dexter," as the miniemblazon clearly shows the eye on the left side. This could be more succinctly blazoned as Sable, three spiders and on a chief triangular Or a full drop spindle pierced by a needle sable. No conflicts found. 

Knut: Sable, three spiders Or, on a chief triangular Or, a full drop spindle pierced by a needle fesswise sable. Clear 

Ary: Does the large emblazon have the chief triangular? It is missing on the mini 

Richenda , et al: The lines of the chief triangular did not copy on the black and white line drawing I received. When I looked at the armory on-line, the chief triangular struck me as a little low. This appears to be clear. 

Rory, et al.: Although the blazon speaks of "...a chief triangular Or...",  no such chief is visible on the emblazon. 

 

16) Lancelot of Windhaven. New Device. Per pale pean and erminois

{Name reg’d 1/01} 

Device Commentary

Roberd: It never ceases to amaze me how simple devices manage to escape notice after all the years the Society has been registering devices. There are surprisingly few field-primary devices with per pale divisions, the closest

to Lancelot's being:

> Per pale pean and erminois, a fret per pale Or and sable. Elsbeth des Volkes (8/1983 Anst)

Under RfS X.1, the proposed device is clear by virtue of removal of the primary charge. 

Knut: Clear 

Ary: His name was registered 01/01 via the Middle.  His previous submission, "Per pale ermine and counter-ermine" was returned by Rouge Scarpe 11/01 for conflict with Jo Anne Blue (reg.1/73) "Per pale azure and ermine."  This new submission does not conflict with Abel Parnell le Guide (reg. 12/96 via the East), "Per bend pean and erminois" by RfS X.4.ii.a, because per bend is substantially different from per pale.  I can't find anything else close.  Kudos to

the submitter for such beautiful arms! 

Athenais: Clear of Abel Parnell le Guide, Per bend pean and erminois, registered 12/96 via the East, by RfS X.4.a.ii.(a), for changing the field partition. 

 

{*) Langry Boucles d’Cheveux. New Name and Device Submission. Sable, on a bend sinister between two rams heads cabossed argent, three crosses crosslet fitchy palewise gules.

{The name is being returned because of the lack of documentation for the byname. In modern French, a person with curly hair would be called “à la tête bouclée” or “aux cheveux frisés,” although we cannot suggest that either of these would be period. The client’s provided epithet looks grammatically unsound, and without supporting documentation, we cannot send it forward.

The device appears to be free of conflict but must be returned with the name.} 

Name Commentary

Roberd: I can give no commentary on the name. 

Ary: <d'Cheveux> is grammatically incorrect; the  <e> from <de> is elided only when the following word starts with a vowel.  This should be <de Cheveux>.  I can't comment on the grammaticallity or authenticity of the entire byname.   

Athenais: I can't help with the name, other than to note that it should probably be <des Cheveux>, since the rest of the byname is plural.  

Device Commentary

Roberd: The device appears clear. 

Knut: Sable, on a bend sinister between two rams heads cabossed argent, three crosses crosslet fitchy palewise gules. Clear 

Ary: Blazon-fu: "Sable, _on_ a bend sinister..." 

Athenais: The device is actually Sable, on a bend sinister between two rams' heads... No conflicts found. 

 

17) Leopold Eber von Lüchtringen. Change of Registered Name.

 Leopold is found in Bahlow (English ed., 333) and undated, but is the patron saint of Austria. Eber is documented from Brechenmacher (I: 371) who has it mostly as a prototheme, but dates the name to 1297 through Eberhard gen. Der Eber von Gültstein. Lüchtringen is undated in Bahlow, Deutschland Geographische Namenwelt (306, under “Lochtrop”). The client would like to have an authentic mid-13^th century German name.

If this name passes, he would like to have his current primary name (Khalid al-Hasan) (reg’d 4/02) kept as an alternate. 

Name Commentary

Richenda , et al: No comment. 

 

18) Matilda in the Holis. New Name and Device. Argent, three holly leaves, a bordure vert.

Matilda is dated to 1189-1215 in Withycombe (94). Reaney and Wilson (235, under “Hollies”) have “John in the Holis” dated to 1327. The client will NOT accept MAJOR changes and cares most about sound. 

Name Commentary

Athenais: Nice name. 

Ary: Lovely name and device! 

Richenda , et al: No comment. 

Device Commentary

Athenais: No conflicts found. 

Knut: Argent, three cocoons within a bordure vert. I don't think that the leaves are identifiable as such without the

stems.

Sioned Maesbreila - August of 1993 (via the West): Argent, a triskelion of three leaves and a bordure vert

CD arrangement, no CD for type vs. generic leaves - conflict. Return for violating RfS VII.7.a and conflict. 

Ary: Lovely name and device! 

Richenda , et al: Consider a possible conflict with Tamara iz Kiev, Argent, three birch leaves vert. There is one CD for the bordure, but is there one CD for the leaves. Both the holly and oak leaves are distinctively shaped so there should be a second CD per Elsbeth:

[an ivy leaf vert] This is clear of ... On a blackthorn leaf vert an increscent argent, and ... On an oak leaf vert a hand argent. In each case there is a CD for fieldlessness and the shape of the leaves is significantly different enough for there to be a second CD. [Isabel Ulfsdottir, 03/01, A-Middle 

Rory, et al.: Aaaaaah, a good, healthy bordure! 

 

19) Middle, Kingdom of the for Equestrian Guild-Authorized Rider Badge. New Badge. (Fieldless) An armored leg erased at the calf argent in a stirrup Or.

This badge was submitted earlier this year and returned internally because it was believed that the badge was intended for the Equestrian Marshallate (which already has a badge and for which a badge could not be registered at a Kingdom-level because it is a Society office). However, the badge is actually intended to be used by the riders of the Equestrian Guild and not the marshallate. 

Badge Commentary

Athenais: I would suggest blazoning this as (Fieldless) An armoured leg erased at the calf argent in a stirrup Or. Using "within" leads to interesting mental pictures ("How did they get a foot to fit in there, anyway?"), and the stirrup seems to be equivalent to a maintained charge, so should be blazoned last. "Truncated" is fairly general, while "erased" specifies how the leg is truncated. I see no problems with the badge being for the riders of the Equestrian Guild. No conflicts found. 

Knut: Clear. Appeal - Laurel decision by definition. 

Richenda , et al: This leg is erased at the calf. Perhaps reblazon this as: (Fieldless) An armored leg bend sinisterwise erased argent in a stirrup Or. This appears to be clear. 

Rory, et al.: Same concerns as on the original submission - Any problems in contrast with the Or stirrup on the argent foot?  When colored in we found it somewhat hard to see. 

 

20) Muriel Dancort. New Name and Device. Or, on a bend vert between two swans naiant sable, three keys bendwise wards to chief facing dexter Or.

Muriel is found in Scott, “A List of Feminine Personal Names Found in Scottish Records Psrt Two:Pre-1400 Names” and dated to 1174,1225,1279, and 1350. It is also found in Withycombe (224, under “Muriel”). Dancort is found in “13^th and 14^th Century Scottish Names” by Simon Freser of Lovat. The client would like to have an authentic 13^th-14^th century Scots name. 

Name Commentary

Richenda , et al: Withycombe (s.n. Muriel) also dates Muriel to 1198, 1200, 1205, & 1273. 

Device Commentary

Knut: Or, on a bend vert between two swans naiant sable, three keys bendwise wards to chief facing dexter Or.

Key - Fesswise, wards to dexter and facing downwards; when palewise, must be specified (wards to chief or wards to base) Glossary of terms - Table 4 Clear 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

 

21) Nicolaa de Bracton of Leicester. Release of Registered Name/Change of Registered Device of Rigunth af Bern. Counter-ermine, on a pall Or three crescents gules.

{Name reg’d 4/94}

The client wishes to release her name Rigunth af Bern (reg’d 3/93) and simultaneously change the device registered to that name (Counter-ermine, on a pall Or three crescents vert) (reg’d 3/93) to the above emblazon – essentially just changing the crescents from vert to gules. The old device is to be RELEASED. 

Device Commentary

Knut: Rigunth af Bern - March of 1993 (via the Middle): Counter-ermine, on a pall Or three crescents vert. No CDs, blazonable difference, implied permission to conflict. Clear 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. ADMINISTRATIVE: What is being done with her old device. 

 

{*) Nicolaa de Bracton of Leicester. New Badge. (Fieldless) On a mullet gules, another Or.

{This is being returned for conflict with Astra Christiana Benedict ([Tinctureless] On a mullet a cross crosslet) (reg’d 6/86). There is one CD for fieldless/tincturelessness, but nothing for the change of type of the tertiary, and since it is tinctureless, there is no CD for change of tincture.} 

Badge Commentary

Knut: Clear 

Ary: This is "[Fieldless] On a mullet gules, another Or." The mullet cannot be voided of a specific tincture; voiding lets the tincture of the field or charge below show through. 

Richenda , et al: I suggest a reblazon of (Fieldless) On a mullet gules, a mullet Or. I have never understood how we can void an object of a color not of the field. This appears to be clear. 

 

22) Oweyn apTegwaret ab Urien. New Device. Azure, three wyverns statant argent.

{Name reg’d 5/98}

A letter of permission to conflict with Karina of the Far West (Azure, a wivern statant argent) (reg’d 11/87) is enclosed. An additional possible conflict was cited against Katrina Pietroff (Azure, a hydra statant argent) (reg’d 3/75). We believe that the latter is not a conflict because hydras have seven heads and we cite from the Precedents of Da’ud II: “[a seven-headed dragon vs a dragon] The change in number of heads, from one to seven, is the visual equivalent of adding wings; that is, worth a CD. While we do not normally grant a CD for a change to the number of heads (e.g., eagles vs double-headed eagles), the difference between seven heads and one head is sufficiently remarkable that it should be worth such a difference on a primary charge.” 

Device Commentary

Knut: Azure, three wyverns statant argent. The default posture of a wyvern is erect per glossary table 4. [a seven-headed dragon vs a dragon] The change in number of heads, from one to seven, is the visual equivalent of adding wings; that it, worth a CD.  While we do not normally grant a CD for change to the number of heads (e.g., eagles vs double-headed eagles), the difference between seven heads and one head is sufficiently remarkable that it should be

worth such a difference on a primary charge.(Cahan Kyle, 10/94) Precedents - Da'ud 2.2, under Monster

Katrina Pietroff - March of 1975: Azure, a hydra statant argent. The hydra is not the little freshwater coelenterate, but a dragonsome beast with seven heads. LoAR 03/75 Single CD for number of primary group, possible CD for number of heads depending on the actual depiction of the hydra.

Karina of the Far West - November of 1987 (via the West): Azure, a wivern statant argent. Single CD for number of primary group, permission to conflict. Wreath call. 

Ary: Yay!! I'm so glad he was able get in contact with Karina. These are beautiful arms. 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

 

23) Robin Arthur Kyrke. New Badge. Per pale Or and vert, a pheon inverted counterchanged.

{Name reg’d 3/91} 

Badge Commentary

Roberd: The badge appears clear 

Knut: Clear 

Ary: His name was registered 03/91 via the Middle. No conflicts found. 

 

24) Sabine de Creuequoer. New Name and Device. Gules, a bean plant argent between four pheons two and two Or.

Sabine is listed in Scott, “Feminine Given Names in A Dictionary of English Surnames” (http://www.sca.org/heraldry/laurel/reaneyintro.html) under the heading “Sabina” and dated to 1279. Creuequoer is listed in Reaney & Wilson (115, under “Crawcour”) as Robert (de) Creuequoer and dated to 1195.

This is the initial registration of a bean plant. She includes pictorial documentation for her bean plant taken from a facsimile reprint of a 14^th century manuscript – Spencer, The Four Seasons of the Hours of Cerruti. 

Name Commentary

Athenais: Reaney & Wilson (p. 115, s.n. Crawcour) date <Robert (de) Creuequoer> to 1195. It may be best to blazon the pheons as "two and two". 

Ary: Reaney & Wilson s.n. Crawcour date the client’s spelling to 1195. 

Richenda , et al: No comment 

Rory, et al.: Same concenrs as on the original submission –  

Device Commentary

Knut: The stylization of this depiction emphasizing the pods and leaves, is reminiscent of other heraldic plant and tree depictions. Clear 

Richenda , et al: This appears to be clear. 

Rory, et al.: No conflicts were found.  In fact, we could not find another registration of "bean plant" in the O&A.  Will this be the defining pictorial depiction of the charge? 

 

{*) Sevrin le Sanguine. New Name and Device. Gules, two foxes rampant addorsed Or, on a triangular chief sable an annulet Or.

{The name is being returned because the byname is undocumented and grammatically incorrect. The client fashioned a descriptive byname based on the models discussed in Mittelman’s “French Names from Two Thirteenth Century Chronicles,” however, failed to document that the byname was period. There is some evidence that Sanguin was a English byname in period and that it was derived from the French – see Reaney & Wilson (391) – but this would involve changing the language of the element, dropping the article, and deleting a letter, all of which seems a bit much when the client prohibited major changes. The fact that the client feminized the byname makes the name unregisterable.

The device is being returned with the name, but also because of the sable chief on a gules field, which violates our rules about tincture (colors cannot be placed on colors).} 

Name Commentary

Ary: I couldn't find <Sanguine> in the cited article anywhere. Reaney & Wilson s.n. Sanguine have <Sanguin> 1194 and <Sangwyn> 1270, from the OFr sanguin.  

Richenda , et al: No comment 

Device Commentary

Knut: Gules, two foxes rampant addorsed Or, on a chief triangular sable an annulet Or. Sable chief on gules field. Clear with any legal chief triangular/tertiary combination. Return for violation of RfS VIII.2.b.1 

Richenda , et al: This armory is returnable for the low contrast chief. 

Ary: The sable chief on the gules field is color on color. 

 

25) Wilhelm von Wolfsburg. New Name. {and Device. Sable, a trident Or, overall a chevron gules fimbriated Or.}

Bahlow (English ed., 613) mentions 117 who appeared at a knights festival in 1171 in Bayeaux. Wolfsburg was documented by the client using modern maps of Germany (it is located in Niedersachsen, south of Hamburg, and appears to be the home of a VW plant and an baseball team [the “Wolfsburg Yahoos”]), but we could use some help documenting it to period. Client will NOT accept MAJOR changes and cares most about sound and having a period German name.

{The device is being returned for redrawing. The chevron needs to be drawn at a much steeper angle so that it lies in the middle of the design. The trident needs to be redrawn so that its points do not touch the edges of the device.} 

Name Commentary

Ary: Bahlow s.n. Wilhelm mentions 117 people named <Wilhelm> at a festival of knights in Bayeux around 1171. I can’t find any documentation for <Wolfsburg>, though suspect it is a likely place name. 

Richenda , et al: Wilhelm can be found in German Names from Silesia circa 1400, 1411, &1495. 

Device Commentary

Knut: Sable, a trident hafted fitchy throughout Or, overall a chevron abased gules fimbriated Or The chevron is abased too far and the fitched haft is a bit strange.

Gabriel Talon - October of 1996 (via the East): Sable, a chevron gules fimbriated argent, overall a cross crosslet fitchy Or. Single CD for changing trident to cross crosslet.  No CD for which charge is on top.

Return for conflict and abased chevron. 

Richenda , et al: The chevron on the armory is too low on the field and too shallow. The chevron should be centered on the field and should be an acute angle. This is also thin line fimbriation. I suggest this be returned. 

Ælfreda, et al.:  The chevron is awfully low.  Should it be blazoned as "debased"? 

Ary: This device needs to be redrawn; the points of the trident should not touch the edge of the field, and the chevron has to be drawn at a much steeper angle. 

 

26) Zacarias el Silento. New Name. {and Device. Purpure, a winged cat dormant Or feathered argent, between three mullets of six points Or.}

The given name is found in Boring, “Medieval Spanish Names from the Monastery of Sahagun: First Group” (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/miguel/sahagunNames1.html) and is dated to 917-935. The byname is undocumented. The client would like to have the epithet “the silent” (in order of preference) in Ladino, Galician, Castilian, Hebrew, or English. The English is not problematic, but we are hoping that the College can provide a better option. A consult in a Ladino dictionary, indicates that el akedado, el kayado, or el silensyozo would be possibilities, but we do not have the knowledge base here to decide between those options.

{The device is being returned for redrawing as the commentators agreed that the cat was not identifiable. Dormant creatures need to be drawn carefully in order to present clearly to the observer what they actually are. Drawing it larger would help, but more detail should also be provided. The wings should be depicted in one color (“winged argent”) rather than simply be partially such.}

{Richenda: Stars of David are voided and interlaced – see the flag of Israel. These are mullets of six points.} 

Name Commentary

Ary: I can’t help with the byname, as my knowledge of Spanish is quite limited. <Zacarias> is found once in the cited article, in the list of names from between 917 and 935. 

Richenda , et al: No Comment 

Device Commentary

Athenais: The winged cat is totally unrecognizable. This really should be returned for a redraw.

[three mice dormant] This is a good example of identifiable dormant, since the mouse heads with their identifying ears are largely against the high contrast field, rather than the low contrast mouse bodies. [Gwenddolynn ni hAilleachaín, 10/01, A-Merdies]  

Knut: The primary should be drawn larger for better identifiability.

The "feathered" argent looks very odd.  Bird wings are normally completely covered with feathers.  Because of this, the wing should be completely argent.  Also, there is no joint shown in these wings. Because of these issues, I have serious doubts about the reproducibility of this submission.

The cat properly drawn either entirely Or or Or winged argent is clear. Return for violating RfS VII.7.b 

Ary: Unfortunately, that cat looks like meatloaf. This needs to be redrawn. Blazon-fu: "Purpure, a cat dormant Or winged argent between three mullets of six points Or."

Richenda , et al: The primary charge on this was unrecognizable. Guesses from the commenting group ranged from a booted foot to a hand picking something up. These are not mullets; they are Stars of David. 

Rory, et al.: The cat needs to be drawn bigger to make it more identifiable. 

 

27) Zofia Borek. New Name and Device. Argent, a greyhound sejant pean in chief three pine cones vert.  Zofia is found in Davies, God’s Playground (137) and dated to c1492-3 as one of the offspring of Zygmunt I. The surname is in The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (III: 47) as the surname of the Polish composer Krzystof Borek who died c1570. The client cares most about having a period Polish name.

The client’s documentation is modern and the client requested a period name. Rather than change the name at Kingdom level, I will propose that the name would be more authentic as Zophia Borek (and leave it to others to decide if the name should be changed at Laurel level). All of the period references to the feminine given name in the SSNO (VI: 327-330) are spelled with a “ph” instead of an “f.” The byname, by the way, is a generic toponym meaning “small forest” and apparently does not need to be altered to agree with the gender of the holder. Borek is dated to the 14^th and 15^th centuries in the SSNO (I: 218).

As an aside: several internal commentators mentioned that the name Zofia is found in Speer, “Polish Given Names in Nazwiska Polaków” (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/walraven/polish). It is, but Speer is in error: Rymut cites the masculine name Zofia and Zofija and observes that they are based on a feminine name Zofia, which he does not document (and even there, the SSNO [VI: 327] shows that the masculine name Rymut is speaking of was in fact spelled Sofia). Rymut does not attempt to document either Zofia or Zofija as period feminine names. 

Name Commentary

Ary: Both <Zofia> and <Zofija> are found in "Polish Given Names in Nazwiska Polaków" (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/walraven/polish). 

Richenda , et al: Zofia is also found in Nazwiska Polako. 

Device Commentary

Athenais: There are no ermine spots on the greyhound in the black and white miniemblazon. The PicDic (s.n. FRUIT) states, "'Pine Athenais: cones' are the fruit of the pine tree; while they are a period charge (c.1285), they seem to have no default posture, some being shown stem up, others stem down. (Becuase of the ambiguity, their posture should be specifically blazoned..." These are stems to base. 

Knut: Argent, a greyhound sejant pean in chief three pine cones stems to base vert.

Pine Cone - Palewise, but must be specified whether stem to chief or to base  Glossary of terms - Table 4

Clear 

Richenda , et al: The spots are not visible on the line drawing. This appears to be clear. 

 

28) Zofia Borek. New Badge. (Fieldless) A greyhound sejant pean.

{Name submitted on this LoI} 

Badge Commentary

Athenais: There are no ermine spots on the greyhound in the black and white miniemblazon. 

Knut: Clear. 

Richenda , et al: The spots are not visible on the line drawing. This appears to be clear. 

 

 

Done by my hand this 11^th day of November, 

Paul Wickenden of Thanet, Rouge Scarpe 

Paul W Goldschmidt

3071 Cimarron Trail

Madison WI 53719

goldschp@mailbag.com