Lozenges for ladies

[King John]

The question of whether Talossan ladies are to display their arms on a lozenge (as opposed to a shield) is fundamentally the same question as whether, in Talossa, ladies can inherit their father's honours and titles. The reason, of course, is that a device suitable for emblazoning on a shield often just won't fit on a lozenge, because you've lost the two upper corners. (Imagine trying to show, on the upper point of a lozenge, Lord Hooligan's chief dancetty charged with a cross and a goblet, or S:reu Siervicül's chief charged with three covered cups. Couldn't be done.) So if a lady can ever inherit arms, she has to be able to display the arms on a shield.

England has, in recent years, allowed ladies to use shields; the SCA gives them a choice between lozenge and shield. I think we ought to drop lozenges entirely, and use only shields. What say the College?

— Blanc Wolf

[Sir]

I agree with this And as an (almost) new citizen think that this is great having a college of arms.

[King John]

Would "Sir" please get in touch with me at [e-mail]? Thanks!

— John Woolley

[Trotxâ]

john said:

England has, in recent years, allowed ladies to use shields; the SCA gives them a choice between lozenge and shield. I think we ought to drop lozenges entirely, and use only shields.

Indeed - what say the College?

Some examples of arms for ladies on a lozenge are spectacular. For example, consider the arms of the late Princess of Wales, which are arrayed on a lozenge:



If Lady Di could use one, so could our ladies.

This image comes from the College of Arms for the United Kingdom. Find them here: www.college-of-arms.gov.uk
The page showing this achievement is here:
www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/William.htm

-- Jaune Sabre Herald