- The Governor General of Canada
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.
Victor Michael Melnikoff
Montreal, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Badge
November 1, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 152
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent on a chapé Gules to the dexter three coronets erablé in bend sinister one and two and to the sinister three coronets erablé in bend one and two Or, on a pile issuant from the base Sable three mullets of eight points Or;
Crest
Standing on a millstone a Siberian tiger passant proper holding in the dexter paw a maple leaf Gules charged with a fleur-de-lis Argent;
Motto
LOYALTY CREATIVITY PERSISTENCE;
Badge
On a millstone a Siberian tiger's head erased proper;
Symbolism
Arms
The V-shape suggests Mr. Melnikoff’s profession as a lawyer by indicating the bands worn by a lawyer around the neck. The coronets running parallel to it are a reference to the arms of Alsace, the region of origin of Mr. Melnikoff’s mother and wife. The coronets have been given a Canadian dimension by the use of maple leaves. The red and gold are the colours of Alsace, and the black and white are the colours of legal robes. The stars represent the Gala des Étoiles, which Mr. Melnikoff established for the support of the performing arts.
Crest
The crest evokes the region of Vladivostok in Russia from which Mr. Melnikoff’s family originates, and the arms of which show a Siberian tiger climbing over a rock. Here the rock has been replaced by a millstone in reference to Mr. Melnikoff’s name, which means “millwright’s son”. The maple leaf and the fleur-de-lis refer to Mr. Melnikoff’s strong belief in Quebec’s place in Canada.
Motto
Not applicable
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 February 22, 2003, in Volume 137, page 518 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Peter Hannen, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Individual