Please note There must have been some sort of misunderstanding. The College of Arms does NOT allow visitors to their facility according to Mr. Dickinson; I asked if they did. It would be quite unusual for them to say that no one can have a copy except the person who owns it. These are published in so many different publications! And, colored copies, too. The College of Arms probably meant that no one can "use" it unless they own it, which is true. I cannot claim the 17th century coat of arms because I am not the person who originally owned it, nor am I the first born son of the first born son of the ... The only way someone other than the original owner can use a coat of arms, is if they are a direct male descendent through all oldest sons. It follows a specific pattern. Anyone else using it in England, or in an English colony can be charged with something (I'm not sure just what!). We, here in America, however, can do anything we want with them because we do not recognize the English laws (you see people in malls selling shields with coats of arms on them), although those who respect the coat of arms would be more respectful than that. More can be read on how the College of Arms handles things, either at their web site or through several books on "Heraldic Devices" at the local library. I've read Oxford's Guide to Heraldic Devices and several other books.