Shields

In this modern world reeling under the impact of the technological age, ancient and historical memorabilia are gaining a new lease of life.
Perhaps the most colourful reminders of an age, when education was the preserve of the elite, are the heraldic shields and symbols that had their origins in the 11th century.
Knights who rode into battle on colourful steeds are credited with the first display of Family Identity in the form of a Crest or Shield that served to identify them. Few of the common people were literate, but all could understand this pictorial language.
The symbols of heraldry were also used in the form of an official seal used to certify the authenticity of documents, a practice that persists to this current day in the form of corporate seals affixed to official documents.
The seal and the Coat of Arms were the foundation upon which the science of Heraldry has been built.
In keeping with its ancient origins, heraldry has a language all its own. For instance the left hand side of the shield is called the dexter, while the right hand side is called the sinister. Colours used in heraldry are called, tinctures. Heraldic shields can be divided in many ways, all of them originated in the 11th century and conform to the traditions established then.

Although Coats of Arms and seals may at one time have been confined to the nobility, in later days families that had arisen from comparative obscurity to positions of power gained the right to a Coat of Arms. Which all goes to prove that upward social mobility is not a modern phenomenon.
The strong and rich romantic aspects of the past, and a rapidly growing interest in things historical have created a demand for reproductions of Heraldic Shields and have led to a revival of the skills that artists and metal workers of the day employed.

Brass.
The brass shield is sand cast in SOLID BRASS, oxidized to give an Old Heraldic finish, hand polished, then sealed with a high gloss clear baked lacquer, that ensures no need of further polishing.
Pewter – This shield is exactly the same as the brass, except that the metal shield is cast from an aluminium alloy. As well as giving a perception of a silver finish, this plaque is half the weight of the brass and needs no maintenance.

Orders for Brass & Pewter shields posted approx 3- 4 weeks and hand embroideries 6 – 8 weeks from receipt of order and payment.

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