Queen Elizabeth II Approved & Initialled RAF Hand Painted Crest by The College of Arms 1955

This is very special and has been verified as genuine by the current Inspector of Royal Airforce Badges and the College of Arms.

Please read on to see the significance and importance of this painting.

The College of Arms is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and much of the Commonwealth including Australia and New Zealand.

As well as being responsible for the granting of new coats of arms, the College maintains registers of arms, pedigrees, genealogies, Royal Licences, changes of name, and flags. The heralds, besides having ceremonial duties, advise on all matters relating to the peerage and baronetage, precedence, honours and ceremonial as well as national and community symbols including flags.

This is signed by the “Chester Herald” and the then Inspector of RAF badges “Sir John Dunamace Heaton-Armstrong (MVO)” who had an illustrious military career as a member of British Indian cavalry during WW2 and a Squadron Leader in the RAF in WW2!

Chester Herald of Arms in Ordinary is an officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. The office of Chester Herald dates from the 14th century, and it is reputed that the holder was herald to Edward, Prince of Wales, also known as the Black Prince. In the reign of King Richard II the officer was attached to the Principality of Chester, which was a perquisite of the then Prince of Wales. In the reign of King Henry VIII the title lapsed for a time but, since 1525, the office of Chester has been one of unbroken succession, as a herald in ordinary. The badge of office is taken from the arms of the Earl of Chester and in blazoned as A Garb ensigned of the Royal Crown Or.

Once painted these are forwarded to the current monarch to approve and sign. This one has been approved/initialed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955 (top right) and this has been verified by the aforementioned members of office. (Copies of the correspondence will come with it)

The hand painted crest is for the Radar Reporting Unit 3700 of the RAAF, it’s incredibly vibrant, measures 42cm x 32cm and comes well presented in its original gilt frame.

Local delivery, U.K. and International postage available, collections welcome too

Thanks for looking