Private Commission, Copyright 2014.
I recently completed a new achievement of arms for a close friend of mine. While I'm only displaying his crest, the full blazon reads:
Arms: Gules, on a pale azure fimbriated argent three escallops of the third enfiled with as many vidame coronets or;
Crest: On a wreath of argent and gules, a lamb rampant gorged of a vidame's coronet or holding in dexter arm a market stick proper erect with crook facing sinister and on sinister arm an eschuteon of the first thereupon a Chi Rho of the second;
Motto: "From Strength to Strength."
The new armiger is a devout Christian who adores the image of Christ the Good Shepherd, which really helped me design a crest befitting great meaning for him. The market stick is a lovely example of how a shepherd's tool (and also a great walking stick for support) can be incorporated along with the Shield of Constantine. I think the crest creates a compelling image of a pilgrim preparing for battle with instruments of love and compassion.
The vidame's coronet creates a nice symbol for lay Christians.
The vidame's coronet creates a nice symbol for lay Christians.