In January 1924, Major Wilkinson held discussions with Northern Irish officials in London regarding the coat of arms.

The final design was completed by Wilkinson's deputy, Thomas Ulick Sadleir, for approval by the Northern Irish cabinet in April 1924.

[2] The artwork was approved and the Royal Warrant signed by King George V and issued through the Home Office on 2 August 1924 and registered in the Register of Arms in Dublin as follows: Royal Warrant Government of Northern Ireland Argent a cross gules, overall on a six pointed star of the field ensigned by an Imperial crown proper a dexter hand couped at the wrist of the second.

[5]In 1971, the College of Arms in London added the compartment on which the supporters stand: On a grassy mount two flax plants each with three flowers on stems proper.

[9] This emblem is based on a design created by Leslie Durbin that featured six flax flowers and a coronet which was used to represent Northern Ireland on £1 coins minted in 1991.