A ‘family detective’ has joined Hansons’ team of experts to identify crests and coats of arms on antiques.
John J Tunesi of Liongam, MStJ, MSc, FSA Scot, Hon FHS, QG, is a freelance genealogist and heraldic researcher of many years standing. He specialises in identifying armorial bearings on all manner of antiques.
He said: “My work gives an armorial antique a fuller provenance, thereby giving its identity back and at the same time making its erstwhile owners live again. I greatly enjoy the thrill of the chase and the detective work involved.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “I am delighted to welcome John to Hansons’ team of consultants. He is like a family detective in the world of antiques. His knowledge and research capabilities enable him to identify old coats of arms on all types of objects. We often come across crests on silver, ancient jewellery and ceramics. His skills will enable us to connect those crests to their original families and cement their place in history.”
John, the Heritable Proprietor of the Island of Liongam in the County of Ross and Cromarty, northern Scotland, since 1987 in succession to his late father, graduated with a MSc in Advanced Professional Studies (Genealogical Studies) from the University of Strathclyde in 2010.
He was a research assistant at the College of Arms from 1987 to 1996 and served as Factor to Garter Principal King of Arms (Sir Conrad Swan) from 1992 to 1995. He is a committee member and past secretary of the Hertfordshire Family History Society and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Register of Qualified Genealogists.
John is also a Past Master (2013/14) and current archivist of the Worshipful Company of Scriveners of the City of London, and is a Trooper and Master Sutler in, and archivist of, the Light Cavalry of the Honourable Artillery Company.
In addition, he is a Special Projects Officer at Headquarters Royal Air Force Air Cadets in the rank of Squadron Leader at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.
He is a member of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, serves as a member of the ceremonial staff of the Priory of England and the Islands and is active as a committee member of the Hertfordshire County Priory Group of St John Ambulance.
John has been Honorary Secretary and a trustee of The Heraldry Society since 2009. As Secretary, John is effectively the society’s volunteer chief executive. He is also an Approved Service Provider for LAPADA.
If you have an antique bearing a crest or coat of arms that you are considering consigning to auction, please email [email protected].
