Martin Goldstraw wrote:Peter Harling wrote:While this is obviously wrong in heraldic practice, I do wonder; this being an image taken from an engraved bookplate; whether due to expense or convenience the engraver or customer has taken the short cut and slotted in the shield of pretense, rather than go to the expense of re cutting a new plate. Just a theory!
Regards ............ Peter
A worthy theory for consideration. If only we could undertake a close and possibly forensic examination of the original plate!
I did think about this myself, but don't think it would be either convenient, nor a short cut. From an engineering standpoint there would be the problem of cutting the accurate hole; cutting the arms to fit the hole (or vice versa); ensuring that the inset arms and the original are perfectly flat before melding them together.
If they were not perfectly flat, then either the arms in pretence would print only, or the rest of the arms would print leaving a pretence shaped hole. During the hole cutting process, all it would take was one slip and there would be a gouge that would be printed every time.
I think it would be quicker to engrave a totally new coat, rather than mess around with the original.