The Sign carver
Custom Coats of Arms
A Coat of Arms is a symbol of history and honour, and hand carved, becomes a precious family heirloom to be treasured & handed down to future generations.
Coats of Arms
A Coat of Arms is a symbol of history and honour, and hand carved, becomes a precious family heirloom to be treasured & handed down to future generations.
Custom-made Coats of Arms
Honoring Heritage and Tradition
In today’s fast-paced world, where handmade treasures are becoming increasingly rare, owning a Coat of Arms from The Sign Carver is a testament to your appreciation for the artistry and tradition that goes into creating such a remarkable piece.
Each Coat of Arms is crafted by hand, embodying the importance of family and heritage, making it a truly cherished symbol for those who value their culture and family origin.
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What type are you after?
The Sign Carver, with 30 years of artisanal expertise, specializes in crafting exquisite Coats of Arms that adorn wine farms, university residences, schools, and family homes.
Family Coats of Arms
Custom Shield Heraldry
Heraldry on Wine Barrel End
Custom Scottish Clan Crest
Cast in bronze & brass
Our meticulously hand-carved wooden creations, or alternatively cast in cement, resin, or bronze, embody the essence of quality, craftsmanship, and charm.
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Family Coats of Arms
Celebrate your family's heritage with a stunning coat of arms, that reflects the rich history & traditions of your ancestry.
Our Coats of Arms are not just decorative pieces, but cherished family heirlooms that embody the rich history and traditions of your ancestry.
These timeless works of art evoke warmth, nostalgia, and the importance of family and tradition.
Symbolizing history, honor, culture, and family origins, our Coats of Arms hold deep sentimental value and are treasured for generations to come.
Own a precious symbol of your family’s heritage and celebrate your legacy with our exquisite Coats of Arms.
Custom Hand-Crafted Shield Heraldry
Elevate Your Family or Business with a custom hand-crafted Shield
Shields have been used throughout history as symbols of strength, protection, and identity. At The Sign Carver, we specialize in creating custom hand-crafted shields that are not only functional but also works of art that tell a story.
With our expertise in custom design, we can bring your vision to life and create a shield that is truly unique and meaningful to you.Elevate your family or business with a personalized shield from The Sign Carver, a symbol of pride, & legacy that will stand the test of time.
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Each coat of arms reflects your family’s heritage and tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition.
Wine Barrel Ends
Hand-Carved Heraldry on Authentic Oak Wine Barrel Ends
Our barrel-end coats of arms are uniquely crafted by Ivan Hunter, with meticulous hand-carving on authentic oak wine barrel ends.
The use of oak wine barrel ends adds a touch of history and character to these exquisite pieces, as they bear the marks of their previous life as part of a wine barrel, lending them a sense of authenticity and elegance.
Own your very own hand-carved coat of arms for your family or business, and enjoy a truly distinctive and captivating piece of art that will be cherished for generations to come.
Pride of the Highlands: Scottish Clan Crests
Celebrate Your Scottish Heritage with an Authentic Clan Crest
Scottish clan crests are a time-honored symbol of pride, honor, and tradition. These distinctive emblems represent the heritage and legacy of Scottish clans, which have played a significant role in Scottish history and culture for centuries.
Each crest is a unique work of art that embodies the spirit, history, and pride of your Scottish ancestry.
Embrace your Scottish roots and celebrate your clan’s history with our exquisite Scottish clan crests, hand-crafted with love and expertise by The Sign Carver.
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Cast in bronze, cement & brass:
A Luxurious Symbol of Prestige for Discerning Clients
Bronze casting is a skilled and intricate process that requires expertise in design, mold making, and metal casting techniques.
The Sign Carver takes pride in creating high-quality bronze coats of arms that are meticulously crafted to capture the unique beauty and significance of each custom design.
SEe our work
Explore our gallery, from coats of arms on wine barrel ends to Scottish clan crests, our creations embody rich history, tradition, and timeless symbolism.
You can own your very own hand-carved coat of arms for your family or business, and enjoy a truly distinctive & captivating piece of art that will be cherished for generations to come.
Celebrate your Rich Legacy
Crafting exquisite Coats of Arms for wine farms, universities, schools, & family homes.
- Families
- Wine Farms
- Businesses
- Schools
- Universities
- Residences
The Sign Carver beautifully crafts each Coat of Arms with care & precision, delivering a high quality product that is very durable.
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Our Process
1. Consultation
Contact us to discuss your coat of arms requirements, including design preferences, materials, and any customizations you may desire.
2. Quote & Payment
We will provide you with a detailed quote based on your specifications. Once you approve the quote, a deposit will be required to initiate the order process.
3. Design & Carving
Our skilled artisan, Ivan Hunter, will hand-carve your coat of arms according to your approved design.
This process involves meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring a high-quality result.
4. Finishing
Once the carving is complete, your coat of arms will go through a finishing process, which may include staining, sealing, and other treatments to enhance its durability and appearance.
A thorough quality check is performed to ensure that it meets our high standards.
5. Final Payment & Shipping
Upon completion, we will notify you of the final payment due. Once the payment is received, your coat of arms will be carefully packaged and shipped to your designated address.
If your coat of arms is being shipped Internationally, we will arrange for a fumigation certificate, allowing for peace of mind and a smooth customs clearance & delivery.
6. Delivery & Enjoyment
Once you receive your coat of arms, you can proudly display it in your desired location, whether it’s at home, in your office, or as a gift to a loved one. Your coat of arms will be a cherished piece of art that represents your family’s heritage and traditions for years to come.
Please note that the specific process may vary depending on the customization, materials, and shipping location, and we will provide you with detailed information and updates throughout the process to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.
Meet Ivan Hunter
Each coat of arms is hand-carved by Ivan Hunter, who brings his expertise & passion to every detail of the carving process.
hand carved Craftsmanship
- Since 1994 -
Make an enquiry
Order a hand crafted Coat of Arms for your family or business. Each one is lovingly crafted with hand held tools, achieving a finish that machine cut materials simply cannot match.
By submitting your details, you consent to having this website store your submitted information for the purposes of responding to your enquiry.
Or email your enquiry to: [email protected]
Why choose us
With 30 years of craftsmanship, our dedication to quality, attention to detail, and personalized approach make us the ideal choice for those seeking unique & meaningful pieces of art.
Hand Carved
Each item is lovingly crafted with hand held tools, achieving a finish that machine cut materials simply cannot match.
Custom Made
Everything we make is custom designed & original, made according to the client’s specific style & preferences.
Durable Finish
Our outdoor signs are durable enough to mature gracefully while other signs are fading & crumbling in the harsh African sun.
30 Years of Experience
The Sign Carver has been carving professionally since 1994. Not sure which material to choose? We will happily advise you on the best application to suit your particular project.
What our clients say
We came across this beautiful sign when we bought our guest lodge in 2013. It turns out that the sign was put up in 2008 - back when Tom & Enid Knight were the owners.
The Sign Carver did an outstanding job. The sign is amazing in that it has not aged or needed maintenance, even after all these years. There's joy in seeing real craftsmanship outshine the pretenders of today.
The Sign Carver did an outstanding job. The sign is amazing in that it has not aged or needed maintenance, even after all these years. There's joy in seeing real craftsmanship outshine the pretenders of today.
Johan & Jenny
Knightsbury Luxury Guest Lodge
Ivan has created a beautifully crafted sign and we have enjoyed using it at Stellenberg over the years, and the woodwork has weathered well.
Stellenberg Gardens
Cape Town
We adore our new Rocketbar & Tree House Eatery signs. Thank you so much – they really are stunning!
Silvermist Mountain Lodge & Organic Wine Estate
Cape Town
The craftsmanship, quality and style is excellent and they really do add interest to the character of Annies House Romantic Getaway.
The delivery was made on time, exactly as promised. I recommend your service and expertise to anyone who is looking for a professional to create bespoke signs without hesitation.
Maryanne
Annie’s House Romantic Getaway, Hartebeespoort
"We are happy to share that our beautiful Whichaway Camp signpost is holding up well and still looking good. Our sign has managed to remain in great condition, despite enduring extreme winds, snow and below zero temperatures - it’s makes for an instagram selfie moment that our guests and staff just love."
Luke Brauteseth
Whichaway Camp, White Desert, Antarctica
Frequently asked questions
From our use of authentic materials to our commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust The Sign Carver to bring your vision to life with precision, skill, & unmatched artistry.
I offer different sizes and materials including hand carved in wood, cast resin, cement or bronze. I can even carve in stone for a more traditional and enduring option.
Choosing to have a coat of arms cast in cement can be beneficial if you’d like to have multiple casts made.
The creation of each coat of arms is a meticulous process, as everything is individually handcrafted with attention to detail. While the usual delivery time is up to 25 days, please note that a specific time estimate will be indicated on the quote provided for your custom coat of arms.
We ensure timely delivery while maintaining the highest quality craftsmanship for your unique piece of art.
Each coat of arms is uniquely designed and hand-carved or crafted to meet the specific requirements and preferences of clients.
Whether you have a specific design in mind or need assistance in creating a new coat of arms from scratch, The Sign Carver can work with you to bring your vision to life.
From selecting the right elements and symbols to designing the layout and overall aesthetic, The Sign Carver will work closely with you to ensure that your custom coat of arms is a meaningful and cherished representation.
A hand carved effect gives a feeling of history that suits the subject more than a precise machine made item.
Shields are usually from oak unless you have a particular preference. The detail carving is basswood which is the most suitable timber for this.
Barrel head carvings are carved into used oak barrel heads. These could also be used as a backing instead of a shield.
A coat of arms hand-carved in wood is designed to be durable and long-lasting for indoor use. However, if you require the item to be placed outside permanently, it’s important to choose the best wood for outdoor durability.
Alternatively cast resin, cement, bronze, or carved stone are also suitable for outside use. These materials are known for their ability to withstand exposure to the elements and provide greater durability for outdoor installations.
When discussing your custom coat of arms with The Sign Carver, feel free to mention your specific placement requirements, and suitable materials can be recommended based on your needs.
The Sign Carver takes pride in creating high-quality, durable coat of arms that will stand the test of time, regardless of whether they are displayed indoors or outdoors.
Occasional dusting with a clean paintbrush 2” inches (5 cm) wide should suffice. The corner of a damp cloth should be sufficient to remove specks or droppings.
Yes, we do!
Delivery within in South Africa is via Postnet or a freight company. Overseas deliveries are via DHL and include a fumigation certificate.
Yes, we do!
A fumigation certificate is a document that certifies that a shipment has been treated with approved fumigation methods to eliminate or prevent the spread of pests or insects. It is often required by customs and quarantine authorities in various countries to prevent the introduction of harmful pests or diseases. Having a fumigation certificate ensures that your Coat of Arms meets the import requirements of the destination country, allowing for smooth customs clearance and delivery.