Arms of John Vincent Lawer

Blazon

Gules between two roses Argent barbed and seeded proper a sperver draped Argent semé of maple leaves Gules domed and doubled Argent on a chief Or a staff fesswise proper entwined of a grape vine Vert fructed Gules;

Symbolism

The red and white colours honour Canada and the City of London, the birthplace of Mr. Lawer’s father, and of which Mr. Lawer is a Freeman. The staff and grapes contain a multitude of meanings based on the German spelling of Mr. Lawer’s name. “Lauer” means to “spy out and observe keenly” and also “wine of the second press”. This charge thus alludes to the story of Moses sending spies into Canaan, who then returned with a branch of grapes carried on a staff by two men to show the Israelites the bounty of the land. The Yorkshire roses pay tribute to the Sheffield birthplace of Mr. Lawer’s maternal grandfather. The pavilion is a reference to Mr. Lawer’s status as a liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Upholders of London, as it appears in the 1465 arms of this organization. It is made distinct to Mr. Lawer with the maple leaves honouring Canada.