Sayward Coat of Arms

Details

Descriptive Terms

coats of arms
vellum (parchment)
gouache (paint)
gold leaf
coat of arms elements
Painting

Label

Centennial Acquisitions Exhibiton, October 22nd-23rd, 30th-31st, 2010:
This coat of arms in its original frame was a gift from Nathaniel Barrell to his father-in-law, Jonathan Sayward. As a documented example of an official coat of arms made for an American, it is an extraordinary survival. Although coats of arms were popular in eighteenth-century America, few people in the colonies bothered to make an official application to the College of Arms, choosing instead simply to pick a design they liked.

Inscription

"AURUM NON OPTO" (Capital letters)
"London, July 1st, 1762/The arms of Jonathan Sayward Esqr. of Old York, in the/Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, Merchant./Rec'd this 1st July, 1762, from the College/of Arms, Herald's Office. The painting, Vellum,/Frame & Glass as it now stands cost 32//6 Sterling./Rec'd by his most dutifull, Humble Servt./Nath. Barrel." (Handwritten in ink)
"Gulles on a fess Argent,/2 Chevrons, Ermine, 3 Leopards'/Faces, Azure." (Handwritten in ink)
"Seward/Syward/Sayward/Sayword/Seyward" (Typed text)
"London, July 1st. 1762./The arms of Jonathan Sayward. Esqr. of Old York, in the Province of/the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, Merchant. Rec'd this 1st of July,/1762, from the College of Arms, Hearalds Office. the painting, Vellum, Frame & Glass as it now stands cost 32//6 Sterling. Rec'd by his most/dutifull, Humble Servt. Nath. Barrell./Gulles on a fess Argent, 2 Chevrons, Ermine, 3 Leopards' Faces,/Azure./The motto on the coat-of arms is, AURUM NON OPTO." (Typed text)

Additional Identification Number

41.1
755

Maker

Unknown

Location of Origin

London, Great Britain

Dimensions

13 3/8 x 11 3/8 (HxW) (inches)

Credit Line

Gift of H. Paul Blaisdell

Accession Number

2009.30.1

Places

Great Britain (United Kingdom) [island]