| One of the most enduring and beautiful pieces of | | | | way of showing that a family was possessed of |
| family history is the coat of arms. These stunning | | | | honored members.Even that changed, however, |
| pieces of artwork recall the days of chivalry and | | | | as the coat of arms simply became a status |
| heraldry while they hearken back to ties to the | | | | symbol. Those with money could simply purchase |
| Old Country. For families who possess a coat of | | | | a coat of arms for display in their homes. No |
| arms, it can take a place of pride in the home. | | | | longer tied to any military or governmental forms, |
| Designed to be displayed for one and for all, these | | | | it was simply a display of money. For instance, |
| shield-shaped testaments to family history are | | | | we know that Shakespeare was rich because he |
| often adorned with beasts of the field and fanciful | | | | purchased a coat of arms for his family. Though |
| creatures about their perimeter. They are truly | | | | this may be something of a bastardization of its |
| the crowning touch to any family name.The coat | | | | original intent, it meant that the coat of arms |
| of arms was originally used in the days of knights, | | | | could be available to everyone.Now, there are |
| kings, and wars fought on horseback. Each knight | | | | numerous places from which one can find or |
| would display a particular design, image, or pattern | | | | purchase their own coat of arms. Through web |
| on his shield to identify himself amidst the | | | | sites, stores, gift shops, and stores dedicated to |
| anonymity of armor. Intended to inspire troops, | | | | genealogy, one can either find the heraldic |
| strike fear in the hearts of foes, and further the | | | | emblem for one's particular name, or simply |
| name of the bearer, the coat of arms could tell | | | | choose from amongst a list of many. For those |
| the world which knight performed which feat of | | | | who are particularly adventurous and artistic, you |
| arms amidst the din of battle. Then, upon their | | | | can even design your own!No matter how you |
| return to the halls of their lord, they could hang | | | | come across your particular coat of arms, these |
| their shield by the door to inform all within which | | | | intricate and beautiful designs can provide you |
| knights assembled at any given time.However, as | | | | with an heirloom for your own family. Display it |
| old forms of warfare gave way to the musket, | | | | proudly on your front door, place it above your |
| rifle, and cannon, the coat of arms was not as | | | | mantelpiece, or just tuck it into a sheaf of papers |
| necessary. Warfare became a method of | | | | with the knowledge that you know it is yours. |
| regiments, not men. Thus, the coat of arms had | | | | Whatever you do with it, it can be an enjoyable |
| become obsolete in many ways. However, | | | | little piece of your history and your ever-living tie |
| knighthood was still an honor conferred by the | | | | to the Old World from whence your ancestors |
| various crowns of Europe, just as it is in Britain | | | | came. |
| today. Thus, the coat of arms became simply a | | | | |