[Ansteorra] knights' chains

[Brandon McDermott]

I have seen Knights give a chain to an unbelted fighter as well. Not to wear of course, but rather to contemplate. I think that most Knights would be gracious enough and thankful for any gift they receive, conventional or otherwise. You might approach it from several directions depending on your relationship with the particular knight. 

IE ... Good Sir Knight I was impressed with "insert your words here" and would be honored if you would lend your deeds and history to this piece that I have crafted, and wear it until such time as you see fit to bestow it upon another. 
These things take on a life and meaning of their own depending on who wore it when. They can be quite treasured. 10 years from now, that same Knight may speak to the crown on behalf of a good friend of yours, and ask that they be given the chain you made so many years ago. 

More To come....

Lochlan


--- On Tue, 9/15/09, Brian O'hUilliam <brianoftheloch at gmail.com> wrote:

From: Brian O'hUilliam <brianoftheloch at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] knights' chains
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 3:47 PM

In answer to your first question: No.  As mentioned, I have seen ladies
purchase chains for their Lords who are Knights.  This, typically, is only
from a person who is close to the Knight, as far as I am aware.

Your second question is not as simple & often depends on the person.
  Can a chain be bought or sold?  Absolutely.  That's how people Knights get
their chains.  However, I would be quite surprised if a Knight sold THEIR
chain (the one with which they swore fealty), but making a chain to be sold
to Knights is common.
   Given as largesse?  I have never seen someone give a Knight a chain as
largesse.  I have seen Knights give their chains to Knights who are being
elevated during the Knighting ceremony, but I would not say that is
largesse.  This can also relate to your first question as a Knight is not in
fealty to his/her fellow Knights.
One incredible thing I have seen is Knights giving links of their chains to
unbelted (non-Chivalry) fighters that greatly impress them.  I have seen
Laurels do this with Laurel leaves and Pelicans do likewise with a drop of
blood pin/pendant.

>From what I have seen, the chain of fealty is very special to the individual
and it is up to them to decide whether or not to wear a different outward
symbol of their station and how they go about obtaining it.  Basically, if
you are thinking about getting a chain as a gift for a Knight, talk with
that Knight or those very close to them (S.O., squires, etc) before doing so
as I would not be surprised if the Knight did not want to have a differnt
chain that than with which they have sworn fealty & have always sworn
fealty.


Hope this helps,
Brian O'hUilliam


On Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 5:12 AM, Coblaith Muimnech
<Coblaith at sbcglobal.net>wrote:

> I know a knight's chain is a symbol of fealty.  Does that mean it's only
> ever bestowed by one to whom fealty is owed?  Or can they be bought, sold,
> given as largesse, etc.?
>
>
> Coblaith Muimnech
> <mailto:Coblaith at sbcglobal.net>
> <http://coblaith.net>
>
>
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