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Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
September 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 398
Arms of Thomas Alfred HickeyBlazonAzure a lion passant guardant Or charged on the shoulder with a maple leaf Gules, and on a chief Or three Redhead drakes' (Aythya americana) heads proper; SymbolismThe shield shows a gold lion on a blue field, as commonly found in the arms of members of the Hickey (or O’Hickey) family of County Clare, Ireland, from which Mr. Hickey is descended. The lion is charged with a red maple leaf to identify the arms as a Canadian branch of the family. At the top of the shield is a wide band or chief, also a common feature of the generic arms. However, the charges upon the gold chief are unique to Mr. Hickey. The duck’s head indicates his enthusiasm for duck-hunting, while its species – the Redhead – is an allusion to his red hair. The three duck heads refer to Mr. Hickey’s three children. |
CrestBlazonA dexter cubit arm in armour Azure the hand proper holding a scroll Or banded Gules; SymbolismThe crest is reminiscent of those used by other Hickey armigers, which depict a fully armoured blue arm holding a red baton. In this case, however, the hand holds, not a baton, but a antique legal brief, whose nature as such is identified by the red ribbon as traditionally used by the legal profession. The brief alludes to Mr. Hickey’s profession as a lawyer. The armour compares his work with that of a knight, but one that defends the right, using the law as his weapon rather than a sword. |
MottoBlazonKEEP A-GOIN'; SymbolismKEEP A-GOIN’ is taken from the last line of each stanza of a poem of the same name by Frank A. Stanton, found by Mr. Hickey as a framed copy amongst his grandfather’s effects. He has found the simple wording and sentiment helpful during challenging times. |
Badge of Thomas Alfred HickeyBlazonA Redhead drake's (Aythya americana) head proper encircled by a belt Azure fimbriated buckled its tip adorned with a maple leaf and inscribed with the motto in letters Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 689 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Kevin Greaves, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |