(Buchinger, Matthias) | A coat of arms not only drawn by Buchinger, but perhaps created by him

(Buchinger, Matthias)

Fine autograph calligraphic coat of arms signed ("Matthew Buchinger")

Manuscript on vellum (159 x 124 mm), Norwich, 6 September 1733; a little marginal discoloration, tiny loss to lower right corner, mounting remnant on verso, hinged to a mat board.

This unidentified coat of arms features a mace resting on a shield framed by elaborate decoration incorporating a knight's helmet and surmounted by a crest of a second mace wielded by a disembodied forearm. The design is inscribed and signed at the bottom: "Norwich: Septbr. the 6, 1733. This Coat of Arms was Drawn and Written by Matthew Buchinger, born Without Hands or Feet; in Germany June the 3d. 1674."

Since this coat of arms is not identified, it may have been a fanciful example created by Buchinger in order to solicit commissions.

REFERENCE:

Exemplars, p. 74; MB, fig 21; Wordplay 68