Cotte d'Armes (Herald's Tabard)

The 'Cotte d'armes' -often  called a 'Herald's Tabard'- is a very specific garment invested with tremendous significance. It is correctly worn -only- by the owner of the Arms or his designated representative such as a Herald. It is NOT livery, and is not worn by retainers.  

In the excellent book 'Olivier de La Marche and the Rhetoric of 15th-Century Historiography', author Catherine Emerson says:

'The cotte d'armes is... a coat, bearing the heraldic device of the man who wears it.  Consequently it is a garment reserved for nobility and... La Marche treats it as symbolic of noble status....Rene d'Anjou and others instruct the nobility by requiring that they wear their cottes d'armes in the course of court combat.'

The 'court combat' Emerson refers to is of course a tournament or pas d'armes.  So unless leading an army into battle (the other historical reason to wear a cotte d'armes), a knight would wear it while participating in a tournament in mounted activities, i.e. jousting or the melee.

Our Cotte d'Armes are individually made to order to each individual's taste and preference. Personally selected fabrics, decoration, embroidery and finish work are combined to create a one-of-a kind statement.

Prices start at $350 and custom orders are quoted free of charge. To make an enquiry for a custom cotte d'armes, kindly send an image of your heraldry and any specific requires to Gwen for a free price quote.

Product photo is the cotte d'armes of Jeffrey Hedgecock and is included as an example only.  For more examples view our online album here: COTTE D'ARMES AND FIELD BANNERS