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Heraldry Today

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Peter Suedfeld

Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Michael Thomas Suedfeld and Joanne Ruth Robinson
October 15, 2002
Vol. IV, p. 245

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


Blazon

Arms

Per fess Argent and Vert, in chief a compass rose Azure;

Crest

Issuant from a coronet the upper edge set with mullets of six points Azure, a demi polar bear grasping a sword Argent hilt Vert;

Motto

INVICTUS;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

An open book Argent bound and charged on each page with a compass rose Azure;

Differenced Arms for Michael Thomas Suedfeld, son of Peter Suedfeld

The Arms of Peter Suedfeld debruised of a three point label Vert; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;

Differenced Arms for Joanne Ruth Robinson, daughter of Peter Suedfeld

The Arms of Peter Suedfeld within a bordure per fess Vert and Argent;


Symbolism

Arms

These are canting or punning arms, referring to the name Suedfeld, or "southfield", with the "south" indication of the compass rose pointing to the green "field" of the lower portion of the shield. The compass rose may also refer to the family's journeys from Spain to Austria-Hungary, to the United States, and finally to Canada.

Crest

The coronet's stars refer to the Magen Davids and thus to Dr. Suedfeld's Jewish heritage, while the polar bear represents his research in the Arctic and contributions to Canada. The sword represents Dr. Suedfeld's and his family's military heritage. The blue and white colours are a further allusion to his Jewish heritage.

Motto

A Latin word meaning "Unconquered", and it is taken from the title of one of Dr. Suedfeld's publications.

Flag

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

Badge

The book refers to Dr. Suedfeld's academic career and the compass roses repeat the symbolism of the shield.

Differenced Arms for Michael Thomas Suedfeld, son of Peter Suedfeld

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

Differenced Arms for Joanne Ruth Robinson, daughter of Peter Suedfeld

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 December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3980 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter
D. Robert Tunstall

Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek


Recipient Information

Individual