COMPANY AND TRADE ASSOCIATION COAT OF ARMS   
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In heraldry, the first recorded corporate coat of arms was for the Drapers' Company of the city of London in March of 1439 (Coat of Arms of the Drapers’ Company). However, many users of modern "heraldic" designs do not register with heraldic authorities, and some designers do not follow the rules of heraldic design at all.

Heraldry coats of arms had been granted to companies as early as the 15th Century. One was the example mentioned above, the Drapers’ Company, which is also known as The Master and Wardens and Brethren and Sisters of the Guild, or as Fraternity of the Blessed Mary the Virgin of the Mystery of Drapers of the city of London.

The Drapers’ Company is one of over a hundred livery companies, which are London-based trade associations.

HERALDRY IN MODERN TIMES

Heraldry continues to be popular and flourish today in the modern era.

The public, companies, and institutions use coats of arms as forms of identification, and they may have the impact similar to a registered trademark.

Heraldry authority/control and coats of arms in Scotland is governed by Lord Lyon, King of Arms. He is Head of the Heraldic Executive and the Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon. He retains all powers relating to heraldry, which includes fines, and imprisonment for misuse of arms, and he does not hesitate to use them.

His office has no equivalent in England, is pre-heraldic, and is closer to that of the Earl Marshall than that of Garter King of Arms.

There are various Officers of Arms that assist him also. These heraldry officers take part in ceremonial events as well as consulting on items of genealogy and heraldry with members of the public.

A 1592 Scottish Parliament Act gives Lord Lyon the authority to criminally prosecute those who use falsified arms.

England first regulated heraldry in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Kings of Arms, under the authority of the Earl Marshal, were given the power in England to regulate coats of arms there.

The Office of Marshal, is an ancient one in England, and began long before heraldry in the country. This heraldry office evolved from being associated with the King’s stables and horses to the officers in charge of the army. The office developed a connection of chivalry to coats of arms, and all matters relating to soldier’s ransom, pay, and other military matters, including the misuse of arms.

Heraldry authorities vested with the power to oversee and regulate coats of arms exist in the following countries:

Spain
Ireland
Switzerland
South Africa
Canada

SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE ANACHRONISM AND MICRONATIONALISM

Many people today maintain an interest in heraldry, and see it as part of their personal and national pride. People with an interest in arms and heraldry as a hobby often are participants in the Society for Creative Anachronism, and other similar medieval groups of affiliation.

The Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA for short, was founded in California in 1966. The organization does historical recreations and reenactments of pre-17th century Western European events and lifestyles.

Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which may feature tournaments, arts exhibits, classes, workshops, dancing, feasts, and more.

Members dress in clothing of the style used in the Renaissance or Middle Ages. There are feasts, dancing, tournaments, jousting, and other activities.

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