Good Information
Regards, Unissula

Coats of arms were primarily associated with the nobility, but commoners could have them as well, though in a more limited and specific context. Historically, coats of arms were used to signify identity, lineage, and social standing, and were initially granted to knights and noble families.

However, in certain cases, commoners (non-nobles) could also receive a coat of arms. These could be granted for achievements like military service, or by virtue of a royal or noble favour. The heraldic system was complex, and sometimes tradespeople, professionals, or even wealthy merchant families could be granted arms. In fact, some commoners would acquire coats of arms through marriage into noble families or by purchasing arms from a heraldic authority.

There were also instances of commoners adopting coats of arms, sometimes without legal authorisation, though this was considered improper.

In the late medieval and early modern periods, the use of coats of arms became more regulated, and the right to bear arms was increasingly restricted to certain social classes, with the heraldic authorities more strictly enforcing the rules.

So, while coats of arms were more closely associated with nobility, they were not strictly reserved for them.

Was the use of family crests limited to the nobility, or could non-noble families use them as well?

Regard IT Telkom

Hi there Walt, if you type the name Reichel into the search box at the top of this page, it will show you that the name is of German origin and you will be able to see what its earliest coat of arms looks like, along with a brief snippet of the information you’ll get on the scroll. Hope that helps.