The art of Heraldry is such a vast subject it would take several lifetimes to claim to be an authority on the subject. We will touch upon the basics of heraldry which I presume will be of interest to the layman. One of the best definitions of a Coat of Arms requires that the design must be hereditary and must be connected to armour.The entire Heraldic or Armorial decoration may consist of many things but must as a minimum consist of a Shield of Arms. A FULL achievement of armorial bearings consists of Arms on the Shield, Crest on the Helmet,around which is usually wound the Crest Wreath or Torse, Mantling and possibly Supporters and a badge with a Motto. Although it is only part of the whole achievement, the Crest, which is usually displayed on the Crest Wreath (an object resembling a ribbed rolling-pin) has long enjoyed the greatest popular appeal. Spoons,forks,and signet rings have spread the knowledge of the Family Crest to the exclusion of all else. |
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The SHIELD is the most important part of the achievement for on it are the signs and emblems of the house to which it appertains.The shape of the shield varies and there has never been one particular shape assigned to a country or rank. A shield may be divided into "partition" lines, eg. per fess, per bend, per pale etc etc. The shield also can be depicted in various colours (emblazon). |
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The HELMET, by its shape and position, is indicative of Rank. The Esquires helmet was of steel and placed in profile with the visor closed. The Knight and Baronet was to be open and affronte'.The Peers |
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CRESTS are hereditary.In Scotland crests have always had a very much less important position than in England. Actual CRESTS where fastened to the helmets. They were surmounted by means of straps or rivets and only those of tournament rank had the right to use a crest (showing that the crest had a closer relationship to tournament than to the battle field). The right to display a crest was a privilege and an honour, something extra and beyond a Shield of Arms. |
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The WREATH or TORSE is placed underneath the Crest. The attaching of the Crest to the Helmet left an unsightly joining, this called for a remedy.This took the shape of a plain fillet or ribbon round the point of juncture. The twisted shape was an evolution from the plain fillet suggested by the turban of the east. |
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The MANTLING is the ornamental design which branches from the Helmet, falling away on either side of the escutcheon. Many authorities consider the mantling to be no more than a series of flourishes devised for the purpose of assisting design. |
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The SUPPORTERS are figures of living creatures placed at the side of the Armorial Shield and appearing to support it. The origin of supporters is the invention of the Engraver, who filled up the spaces at the top and sides of the triangular shield upon a circular seal with foliage or fanciful animals. |
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The COMPARTMENT is anything depicted below the shield as a foothold or resting-place for the Supporters or Shield itself. |
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The MOTTO of a family has a far greater importance than is conceded to it by those who have spent any time in the study of armoury. Briefly speaking mottos are not hereditary, no one is compelled to bear one nor is any authority needed for the adoption of a motto. The matter is left purely for the personal pleasure of the person. |
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