Heritage & Mission
The Merchant Discoverers' Company follows the tradition of European trading companies chartered during the Early Modern Period.
The Company's mission extends to the four corners of the world — creating exceptional medals, insignia, and commemorative engravings for distinguished state and private clients. Through traditional craftsmanship and historical authenticity, The Company preserves and advances the heritage of ceremonial arts.
Founded by Brady Brim-DeForest, an entrepreneur from the United States who serves as Governor, and John M Allen-Petrie, an officer of arms from the United Kingdom who serves as Deputy Governor.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of the Merchant Discoverers' Company reflects the history of the early trading companies which inspired its foundation and The Company's current activities in designing and manufacturing insignia and engravings.
The arms include a three-masted ship set upon waves reflecting the never-ending discovery of new trades beyond the seas, and they are surrounded by three estoiles or stars reflecting the designing and manufacturing of medals, orders and decorations.
The crest and supporters are composed of salamanders, who were once believed to live in fire, within flames represent the crafting of insignia made of precious metals and the engraving of metal plates. The crowns represent the high-quality craftsmanship delivered by The Company to its clients.
Founders
Brady Brim-DeForest of Balvaird
Governor
Brady Brim-DeForest is an entrepreneur, antiquarian, and designer whose work sits at the intersection of heritage and craftsmanship. He is among the world's leading heraldic collectors, and has advised private collectors, institutions, and heritage projects across Europe and North America on heritage and heraldic matters. Known for his ability to combine historical authenticity with exceptional design quality, Brady's projects often celebrate the enduring symbols and traditions of the past.
He began his career founding and leading innovative businesses in technology and media, before focusing his efforts on cultural preservation and applied design.
A patron of heraldic and genealogical institutions, he has advised leading libraries, lineage societies, and historical organizations in the United Kingdom and the United States. He is the namesake of the Brim-DeForest Library at American Ancestors in Boston and serves as patron of multiple major heraldic publications and exhibitions.
John M Allen-Petrie OBE
Deputy Governor
John has designed and manufactured medals, orders and decorations for governments and private clients in the Caribbean, Pacific and Middle East for over ten years. He has a reputation of designing high-quality insignia which reflect the history and traditions of his clients.
He started his career in the financial sector in the City of London before being appointed an officer of arms at the College of Arms, a historic department of the Royal Household which supports great ceremonies of state and regulates heraldry across most of the Commonwealth realms. In this capacity, he has advised a number of governments in the Caribbean and Pacific and was awarded an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to Antigua and Barbuda.