[ANSTHRLD] Heraldic Heirs

[Coblaith Muimnech]

Danielis Lindocollinum wrote:
> For the heir of a dead man: inheritance in SCA heraldry is a transfer 
> done when the will (heraldic or real-world) is executed.

When the heraldic will is executed, naturally.  But I'm willing to bet 
there are any number of registered items whose owners have died that 
weren't subsequently transfered to anyone, regardless of any mundane 
wills or probates that might have come into play.  The College of Arms 
has to be informed that a death has taken place and of who the heirs 
are before any action is taken, as I understand it.  Nobody's checking 
to see whether all mumbeldy-thousand owners are still alive and who's 
inherited from those who aren't.

Many folks in the Society have no idea that names and armory are 
protected after the death of their owners at all, much less that they 
are inherited by their owners' mundane heirs if no other intention is 
registered with the College.  I imagine most of them have never thought 
about it.  When I mention it to submitters, they're generally startled, 
then irritated.  I get a lot of, "So in a few years nobody will be able 
to register anything!?!" reactions.

Personally, I don't see why there isn't a mandatory "If this item is 
registered, upon my death I wish. . ." section on the registration form 
that offers submitters checkboxes and "details" lines like those in the 
authenticity section.  If it were properly written and well explained, 
I think we'd get a lot more releases and blanket permissions.  Most 
folks I talk to assume only their own specific armory (or armory so 
like it that it's indistinguishable to the casual observer) is 
protected in the first place.  If you make it clear to them that that 
isn't true and that they can keep their particular design protected 
while making it possible for others to register distinct items that 
would nevertheless conflict, most think it's a good idea.  They just 
never seem to get around to doing anything about it.


Coblaith Muimnech
<mailto:Coblaith at sbcglobal.net>