In 1969 EUGENE CAMPBELL COSKERY, JR. had the Coskery Coat of Arms made into an emblem for his blazer pocket.  When he died, the emblem was removed and photographed .  It was designed by the artists of and made by the Sanson Institute of Heraldry, 2693 Summer St., Boston, Mass. 02210  The Coat of Arms was drawn by one of the Institute Artists and the original artwork is permanently filed in the Institute.  They had been in business since 1860.

The ff. Report was attached to their literature. 


                                                      COSKERY


REFERENCE SOURCE:  Burke, Sir Bernard, General Armory of Great Britain

ARMS:  "Or, a chevron compony counter-compony gules and azure, between tree cinquefoils pierced of the last."

Variant of COSKER


The Tinctures (color) in heraldry  described above are as follows:
  • Gules -- red, and represents fire.  In military application this color signifies fortitude. Often the color gules is dependent on the shade but in general it denotes valor, patriotism, and creative power.
  • Azure -- blue, and is representative of loyalty, fidelity and truth.  Since ancient times, when brides wore a blue ribbon, the color has been associated with purity and love.
Heraldic Charges and Symbolism:

  • Chevron -- Is said to have been adapted from the bow of the war saddle, and signifies military fortitude in battle.
  • Lion -- The king of beasts takes its significance from the early Romans.  At this time he was addociated with majesty and kingship.  In later usage the lion has become emblematic of strength, courage, and generosity.
  • Cinquefoil -- is a 5-pointed leaf.

                                                                                                           AN HISTORIC OUTLINE

Coats of Arms and the Coskery surname likely developed at the same time in Europe, primarily between the 12th and 14th centuries.  By the 14th Century, the Coskery surname had become recognized as a means of identification and it was an accepted practice to pass it on to others in the family.

During the Middle Ages, the increased use of armour which made it difficult to identify individuals in battle, coupled with the widespread illiteracy of the population dictated a need for a means of identification by which individuals and their followers could be recognized easily.  The method devised was the Coat of Arms, first worn on the surcoat over the armour and displayed on the shield.  In battle, the Coat of Arms of freemen, vassals, and followers were the same or similar to that of the lord for whom they fought. During times of peace, the Coat of Arms became a signature or "mark" to be affixed toe papers, records, and officials documents. 

When the Coskery name took its inittial form in the Middle Ages, each court had a member of the clergy, or a clerk or herald to write its documents, issue proclamations, record insignias and award decorations, maintaining permanent records or archives for this purpose.  Thus Heraldry was born.

Many Coats of Arms were granted, of course, as signs of nobility, but a like number of arms were awarded as marks of individual distinction or rewards for valor.  Emperors, kings, and lesser nobles often made these grants which were borne by individuals, their servants and serfs . . . many of these servants, vassals, and serfs, later assumed these arms and passed them on to heir descendants. 

In today's modern world, a Coat of Arms is a personalized link with the past . . . a decorative badge for individual recognition of a family name that had its origin centuries ago.


                                                                                                                                                                     
      -from the Sanson Institute of Heraldry