| Coat-of-Arms Jon von Briesen, from Forked River NJ writes:
"In Britain, the complete coats-of-arms, or achievements of arms belong to only one person. All heirs, even the eldest son, must "difference" their arms at matriculation with the College of Arms in London. (This applies to English heraldry. There are families who assumed arms long before the establishment of the College, by Richard III, and who feel they may ignore the rules of that body.)
The crest is simply the ornament atop the helmet --- very much like birds. Interestingly, the crest itself can be used to mark property, etc., for the entire family.
I think it is the widespread use of that device (crest), on such as signet rings, which accounts for the "miss-use" of the term crest, where "coat-of arms" should be used."
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