The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Naval Marine Archive The Canadian Collection

Picton, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
September 20, 2013
Vol. VI, p. 267

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Argent an anchor Azure fouled of a chain Gules between two torches Azure enflamed proper, on a chief Azure a chain of three links Argent;

Crest

A seahorse Argent crined Azure gorged with a Loyalist civil coronet Gules and holding an anchor fouled of a chain Azure;

Supporters

Two swans naiant Argent on barry wavy Azure and Argent, each charged on the wing with a rose Gules bearing a maple leaf Argent;

Motto

FUTURUM EX PRÆTERITO;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

On a hurt a seahorse gorged with a Loyalist civil coronet, holding an anchor fouled of a chain and environed by a chain Argent;


Symbolism

Arms

The anchor refers to the society’s mandate for preserving naval records, and the torches symbolize learning. The chain links refer to the silver Covenant Chain, a representation of which appears in the Archive’s exhibition space. The chain is a symbol of alliance between Europeans and Iroquois, and its three links symbolize peace, friendship and respect. It thus represents the Archive’s work related to the heritage of local First Nations. The blue, white and red colours are those of the Royal Union Flag and refer to the Loyalist heritage of the Picton region as well as to the extensive records held by the Archive related to the naval heritage of Great Britain.

Crest

The seahorse emphasizes the maritime nature of the Archive’s collections, as does the anchor. The Loyalist civil coronet pays tribute to the Loyalist heritage of Prince Edward County and the focus of many of the Archive’s studies.

Supporters

The swan is a water-dwelling bird, and thus refers to the Archive’s interests in both nautical and aeronautical matters. The rose and maple leaf refer to the focus of the Archive’s work on England and Canada.

Motto

Meaning “The future from the past”, this Latin phrase is taken from the Confessions of St. Augustine, book XI, chapter 11.13.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 22, 2014, in Volume 148, page 655 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Robbie Sprules and Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass

Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek


Recipient Information

Civil Institution
Cultural Organization