Another set of SCA peerage collars, this time in colour.
I had already designed a set of Lochac Livery Collars for use by the peers in fealty within the SCA Kingdom of Lochac. In 2015, the SCA created a new peerage: the Order of Defence, so it was time to make a new link for the livery collars.
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/Enamelled-livery-collar.jpg)
Development
Rather than add to the original monochrome series, I decided to make the new link as an enamelled design, which would also work with my original SF joiner links. Once the Order of Defence link was in production, I designed a full set of new peerage links to complete the set.
As for the previous set of links, these were professionally cast in lead-free pewter and plated in fine metal. This series was then ‘enamelled’ using resin. There is usually a clear finish put over the top to make a smooth surface, but I asked for this to be omitted, so the final result looks closer to the historical enamelled pieces.
The Designs
Defence
The badge of the order is: Three rapiers in pall inverted tips crossed (tinctureless). I drafted some early designs and sent them to the five inaugural Masters of Defence for their thoughts. The final design was for gold swords (as fine as possible) laid over a white enamel ring.
![](http://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/March-2015b.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/MoD-design-options.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Defence-link-enamelled.jpg)
The new links were made in time to be presented to the new, sixth member of the Order.
Laurel
The design for this was straightforward – a simple ring wreath, inspired by the same illumination, but this time in colour. Creating a design where the walls of the cells were the right thickness for the technique proved trickier than I expected and it took several rounds of finessing before the design could be cast.
![](http://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/09/Plutarchus-Vitae-illustrum-virorum-c1473-74-BnF-1.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Laurel-sketch.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Laurel-link-enamelled.jpg)
After the initial run, I had a request for some in silver, so I ordered a small number of these too.
Chivalry
Again, the concept was straightforward, following the plain version I had done years before. My experience with the Laurel meant I had a better feel for how to make the reversed design work, so the final design took less time.
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Armorial-1588-Harley-MS-1864-f.2v.jpg)
Source: British Library
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Chivalry-sketch.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Chivalry-link-enamelled.jpg)
Pelican
I had never really been happy with the previous Pelican design – it had too much fine detail and was not bold enough to ‘read’ well as a cast design.
So I came up with a range of new designs, based on several different medieval representations of Pelicans in their Piety. I put out a poll to see which option people preferred and the clear winner was design #4 – not the one I would have chosen!
I combined elements from a few sources for this design – including the lovely basketweave nest from a 15th century tomb.
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Batalha-Monastery-tomb-15thc-Portugal.jpg)
Source unknown
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Pelican-sketch-options.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Pelican-link-enamelled.jpg)
Rose
I tried a few new designs for the Rose – a more open ring, and a full circle design, but neither appealed. In the end I went for a simple rework of my previous design, which really came to life in colour. I had planned to just do white roses (for Lochac) but many people wanted red roses, so I did both.
![](http://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/09/Complete_Guide_to_Heraldry_Fig492.png)
Source: Fox-Davies 1978
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Rose-sketches.jpg)
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/Rose-link-enamelled.jpg)
I am still pleased with these and always enjoy seeing people wearing them.
![](https://rowantreeworkshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/MoD-chain-2017.jpg)