Although we engrave more family crests than coats of arms on our signet rings at Signets and Cyphers, we do sometimes have the pleasure of engraving a magnificent coat of arms on a signet ring.
This morning I had a browse on the College of Arms website as you can always find some fascinating coats of arms – with fabulous painted artwork. I found this one…..the Arms granted to Sir George Martin in 2004:
http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/news-grants/grants/item/66-george-martin
The bird at the top is (of course) a Martin and it has a recorder tucked underneath its wing. I wonder why there are only three beetles on the shield? That is a question a Beatles enthusiast might be able to answer? If you know your Latin, then you might be able to translate the motto – and if you know your Beatles songs then you will recognise it! The motto is All You Need is Love, or Love Alone is Needed. Now that’s lovely.
