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The Proper Use of the Badge

The Badge is probably the most mis-understood and mis-used piece of heraldic display in the S.C.A. What I will attempt to do here is to clarify, based on Heraldic tradition, and where there IS no ancient tradition, use an informed, common-sense opinion upon the proper use of the badge.

First, let us understand what a badge IS: To quote directly from "A Complete Guide to Heraldry" by A. C. Fox-Davies, "The Heraldic Badge, as we know it, came into general use during the reign of Edward III, that is, the heraldic badge as a separate matter having a distinct existence in addition to concurrent arms, and having at the same time a distinctly heraldic character." What that says is that a badge, while separate from one’s arms, follows the same rules of heraldic construction.

Now that we know what a badge IS, how then to use it? If we take the assumption that our Arms are "US", the badge would then be "Ours". If one has arms, one wears them, and displays them on things that would be directly associated with one’s self, i.e. one’s pavilion-walls, one’s cloak, one’s chair, one's cup/drinking-horn, and other such distinctly personal/territorial items. One’s badge then, goes on the less-personally representative possessions. While YOU would not wear your badge, (save possibly as modified to be a belt-buckle, or, in highland fashion, like a clan-badge,) your vassals and troops WOULD. Your coach would have your arms, but your baggage-train and the cargo thereon would have your BADGE on them, because THEY are not YOU.

Favors are an area where heraldic display is possible, and I will give here my opinion, as there is no body of tradition relating thereto in the body of reference-materials available. An unmarried lady MAY use either arms OR badge on a favor, this should depend, however, on the degree of closeness the giver of the favor feels towards the one given the favor. A married lady, however, should have her arms only on the favor bestowed upon her lord husband, all others should either be of her livery-colors or have her badge upon them.

One’s children may, as one wishes, be demarked by either Arms OR badge, although to mark them with your arms would require the application of the correct marks of cadency thereupon. As badges are artistically less-complex, (Usually) the badge may be the preferred option for marking things that will rapidly be grown out-of. One’s children fall under the heading of "YOURS"

The question "Does one have to register a badge?" has been, on occasion, raised. The answer is a resounding no. A badge is an optional heraldic possession, and needs only be created and registered if one feels the absolute need therefore. I myself have been armigerous for over 20 years and have yet to register a badge. While there are possible uses of a badge, there are no REQUIRED uses of a badge. An Tir has no rules or laws regarding when, where, and how a badge must, may, or may not be used. Other kingdoms may, and that is their choice. For those wishing to mark themselves as An Tirians when awa at a war, there are two versions of a populace badge, blazoned here: Chequy Or and argent, a lion's head caboshed within a bordure sable (as seen above) AND (Fieldless) A lion's head erased contourny sable (at left). The first one is the older variant, but either may be used.

It is hoped that this clarifies things regarding this particular aspect of heraldic display, if there are any questions, do not hesitate to ask me.

One may also display the Baronial badge on one's armor, shield, as a belt-favor, or in any way that one would wear a badge denoting service to or representation of the entity who's badge you wear, depending on what would be most-appropriate at that moment, just as one would the Kingdom badge. The best method for long-term wearing of such would be on a belt-favor, vice armor or shield, as one is not ALWAYS fighting for one's Barony (Or Kingdom, for that matter) . (AT Right: the Baronial Badge)

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