Heraldry and Crests

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	This section of our site is intended to provide you with additional information regarding the Coat of Arms and the various items which it includes in it's makeup. For the sake of simplicity and understanding we will at times use more modern, or more commonly used, terms in our descriptions. An example being our graphic immediately below. While we refer to it as a Coat of Arms, it is actually a Full Achievement of Arms. The difference being that the Coat of Arms technically consists of only the Shield portion and the charges which are on the shield while the Full Achievement of Arms includes the Crest, Mantling, Motto, Name, Supporters, and the Helm. But, common usage today for display purposes includes all of those in the term Coat of Arms which is what we shall do here as well. In the graphic below we have labeled the primary sections of the Coat of Arms and below the graphic you will find some more detailed descriptions of those sections as well as links to additional pages with even greater detailed information.
	MOTTO A motto is fairly common, but is not a required element. In the cases where a motto is present it is up to the artist as to the scroll style (if any), the lettering style, and it's relative placement on the Coat of Arms. CREST Originally the crest was the ornament of the helmet, or headpiece, and also afforded protection against a blow. In the early rolls it was scarcely noticed, but in later armorial grants it came into general use. WREATH / TORSE The roll or chaplet above the shield, supporting the crest. It is supposed to represent a twist of two silken cords, one tinctured like the principal metal, the other like the principal color, in the arms. Wreaths may also be circular, but the straight wreath is by far the more common. HELMET The helmet is borne above the shield and beneath the crest. Initially it is believed that it was used to denote the rank of the wearer, but more recently it is the within the discretion of the artist which helmet is used. SHIELD There are more than one word which refer to the shield, the primary ones being shield or escutcheon which refer to the physical form itself. Next is the term Field which refers to the surface of the shield, or if the surface is sectioned by being quartered or impaled it refers to each section Separately. The style of the shield and the angle at which it is displayed are the artists choice. MANTLE / MANTLING It is believed that the mantle is representative of the fabric used to protect the helmet from the elements, ie sun, rain, etc. Most often it is displayed behind the rest of the Coat of Arms and is displayed using the same colors as in the wreath. SUPPORTERS Many Coat of Arms will have what are referred to as Supporters, one on each side of the shield in either an upright position facing forward or in a profile position leaning against the shield. Supporters can be animals or persons which have some influence of the bearer of the arms. SHIELD ELEMENTS Again there are many terms which refer to the designs on the face of the shield itself. We have several pages which will provide additional information which are in the links at the left and bottom of the page. We are currently working on creating these pages and have broken them up into several sections in an effort to keep the load time to an acceptable speed. The sections are: TINCTURES - covers the metals, colors, and furs in the Coat of Arms. ORDINARIES - these are the most basic patterns utilized on the face of the shield to break it into sections. CHARGES - there are several pages of charges. Charges are the objects displayed on the surface, or field, of the shield which makes it truly unique for each individual Coat of Arms. We have covered many of the primary charges and will be adding to them as time passes. BLAZON The blazon in the term used to describe the textual description of the Coat of Arms. It uses a phrasing unique to Heraldry and covers only the crest, helmet, and shield of the coat of arms.

	Metals	Metals consist of Gold, commonly called Or, and Silver, commonly called Argent
	Gold Or	Gold / Or Symbol of : Understanding, Respect, Virtue, Majesty, Generosity. Planetary : Sun Precious Stone : Topaz Engraving : Small dots on background.
	Silver Argent	Silver / Argent Symbol of : Cleanliness, Wisdom, Innocence, Chastity, Joy. Planetary : Moon Precious Stone : Pearls Engraving : none - blank.
	Colors	The colors shown below are representative of the colors used though there will be some variations in the actual colors in individual coats of arms. The designs next to each color came into use later for engravers to use to indicate the colors in their work.
	Red Gules	Red / Gules Symbol of : Eagerness to serve ones country. Warrior and Martyr Planetary : Mars Precious Stone : Ruby Engraving : Vertical Lines
	Blue Azure	Blue / Azure Symbol of : Fidelity, Steadfastness, Strength, Loyalty Planetary : Jupiter Precious Stone : Sapphire Engraving : Horizontal Lines
	Black Sable	Black / Sable Symbol of : Mourning, Constancy Planetary : Saturn Precious Stone : Diamond Engraving : Horizontal and Vertical Lines - crosshatched
	Green Vert	Green / Vert Symbol of : Freedom, Beauty, Joy, Health, Hope Planetary : Venus Precious Stone : Emerald Engraving : Diagonal Lines "in bend"
	Purple Purpure	Purple / Purpure Symbol of : Majesty, Justice, Sovereignty Planetary : Mercury Precious Stone : Amethyst Engraving : Diagonal Lines "in bend sinister"
	Orange Tenne	Orange / Tenne. Symbol of : Worthwhile Ambition Planetary : None Precious Stone : None Engraving : Vertical Lines with Diagonal lines "in bend"
	Blood Red Sanguine	Blood Red / Sanguine Symbol of : Earth Colors. Victorious, Patient in battle Planetary : Interior of Planet / Dragons Head Precious Stone : Hyacinth Engraving : Diagonal Lines both "in bend" and "in bend sinister"
	Furs	Use of Fur generally indicates a mark of dignity. Typically the fur of the Weasel is used in these representations.
	Ermine Ermines	Ermine - White with Black Spots Ermines - Black with White Spots
	Erminois Pean	Erminois - Gold with Black Spots Pean - Black with Gold Spots
	Vair	Vair - Blue and White bell shaped objects.

	An ordinary is considered to be a charge, or bearing, of simple form. The ordinaries, or as they are called by the majority of heraldic writers, honorable ordinaries, are thought to be nine in number as follows: Chief, Cross, Pale, Saltire, Fesse, Pile, Chevron, Quarter, and Bend.
	In some areas they also call the Bend Sinister an ordinary and to keep with the idea that there are only nine ordinaries they then call the Quarter a sub-ordinary, or a diminutive. We will display both bends here.
	BEND BEND SINISTER	The BEND is drawn typically covering 1/5th of the shield running from the upper right corner down to the lower left of the base. If the portion of the shield that the BEND covers also contains a bearing, or charge, it may cover 1/3rd of the surface. Stands for Defense or Protection The BEND SINISTER covers the same area of the shield, but is run from the upper left corner down to the lower right of the base. Marks Royal descent that is barred from succession to the throne by illegitimacy.
	CHEVRON	The CHEVRON represents the roof of a house, derived from the French word 'chevron' meaning rafter. The CHEVRON used to almost reach the very top of the shield and then more nearly attained the 1/3 of the surface of the shield that was allotted to it by the guidelines of heraldry. Now it is drawn lower and with a less acute inner angle to allow more devices to be represented more attractively, and an artist may draw the chevron at the height and angle that will best suit the accompanying charges. Stands for Protection
	CHIEF	The CHIEF is a broad band across the top of the shield that stands for authority and domination of will. The CHIEF theoretically contains the upper 1/3 of the shield, although it rarely actually does. Stands for Dominion and Authority.
	CROSS	One of the earliest and noblest of the honorable ordinaries. The CROSS is drawn with two bars which run horizontally and vertically across the center of the shield with each bar being 1/5th the width of the shield. There are a large variety of crosses which may be found in heraldry and we will display the majority of them ones on the crosses page Stands for Protection
	FESSE	A bar placed horizontally across the shield, occupying one-third of the shield. This bar may have charges placed on it and typically divides the shield into thirds. It represents a Military Belt or girdle of Honor.
	PALE	A bar placed vertically down the center of the shield, occupying one-third of the field. This bar may have charges placed on it and typically divides the shield into thirds. Stands for military strength or fortitude.
	PILE	The PILE is a wedge shaped section with the wide portion at the top of the shield and running to the bottom center point of the shield. When this is drawn plain it is generally 1/5th the width of the shield at the top, when it has charges it is then typically 1/3rd the width of the shield at the top. Stands for military strength or fortitude.
	QUARTER	The QUARTER is a field covering 1/4th of the shield. It is normally placed to cover the upper right hand portion of the shield and if placed in any other position it must be specified in the blazon. It is a bearing of Honor.
	SALTIRE	The SALTIRE is a combination of the BEND and the BEND SINISTER in the form of an X. It is sometimes referred to as a Saint Andrews Cross. Most frequently stands for protection.

Crosses The armorial sign of the cross is unique in Christendom. It is the first common sign under which the West gathered. The cross became an established standard after Constantine's victory over Mantius in A/D/ 312. The use of the cross on arms belong to the time of the first crusades, in which the principal nations of Christendom are said to have been distinguished by crosses of different colors: and it is naturally found to be most frequently employed in the insignia of religious foundations. The fact that the Crusaders embarked on the western coast of the Mediterranean is marked by the presence of the cross in many of the coats of arms which are found there.

Christian Cross Faith; service in the Crusades. Also known as the cross of St. George, it is one of the earliest crosses. It is sometimes referred to as a Greek Cross Cross Fillet Represents achievement in battle. Also dominion and authority Cross per Fess Represents readiness to serve the public. Tinctures chosen give additional meanings. Cross per Pale Signifies defensive military strength. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings Cross Quartered Represents readiness to fight for Christianity. Tinctures chosen give additional meanings Cross Gyronny Represents unity. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings Cross Gyronny of Sixteen Represents unity. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings Cross Faceted Represents the many facets of Christianity Cross Counter-Compony Also described as Chequy. It symbolizes intellectual challenge. It is a frequent sign used on small inns. It is possible that this design gave the name to the game of chess. Cross Fretty Represents persuasion - as of the Christian message Cross Double Voided Represents a knight of the Crusades. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings. Cross Cotised Designed to represent the suspender of a knight, signifying defense or protection. Tinctures chosen give additional meanings. Cross Fimbriated Most common in French arms. Represents one who faithfully served in the crusades. Most often found in ancient blazoning. The tinctures chosen give additional meaning. Saltire or St. Andrew's Cross Symbolizes resolution and persuasion. Most often found on Scottish Arms. Cross Couped Faith; service in the Crusades. The white cross on the red ground was the symbol of the Holy Kingdom. Other countries adopted this symbol as evidence of their missionary zeal. The Order of the Knights Templar adopted the red cross on a white cloak as their symbol. Cross Saltire Couped A form of St. Andrew's Cross - Symbolizes resolution and persuasion Passion Cross This is the basic Christian Cross. It is a long cross or Latin cross, meaning that is with the lower limb longer than the other three. Represents the passion of Christ. Passion Cross (2) Passion Cross with both bars the same length. - Meaning similar to Passion Cross Patriarchal Cross An ancient cross which has two horizontal bars instead of one. It is so named because it represents the ancient Patriarchs of Jerusalem that bore this kind of cross. After the Crusades it was borne by the Patriarch of Constantinople. Patriarchal Cross with third bar Cross adopted by the Pope of Rome. Symbolizes the church. Russian Cross Similar to the Patriarchal Cross with third bar. The symbol was adopted and modified by Knightly Orders in Russia. Cross Formy Represents military honor. One example is found as early as Henry III. Cross Pattee Concave Sign of a military leader who has accomplished great deeds. It is also said to be used as a mark of cadency in France. Cross Formy Couped Military honour Cross Potent The Cross Potent, written sometimes potence (fr. potencée): so called because its arms terminate in potents, or like crutches. Similar to the Jerusalem Cross, it symbolizes the five wounds of Christ. Jerusalem Cross So named from its occurrence in the insignia of the kingdom of JERUSALEM, established by the Crusaders, the crosses are believed to symbolize the five wounds of Christ. Cross Crosslet Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross. May also refer to families who engaged in the Crusades Cross Degraded This is the Cross of Calvary with the steps or degrees on each end of the cross. The number of steps is often four, and sometimes as many as eight. It represents Christianity, and faith in the mystery of the cross. Cross Calvary Cross Calvary (also known as the Holy Cross and sometimes referred to as a Latin Cross) symbolizes faith and Christianity. It is said that the three steps are symbolic of the three Christian graces: Faith, Hope and Charity. Some writers have suggested that the bearer took the arms in consequence of having erected such a cross at Rome. Cross Moline Signifies the mutual converse of human society. It is said to represent a millstone or a fer-de-moline. It is sometimes a mark of cadence representing the eighth son. It is also known as a Miller's Cross. Cross Recercely A cross where the ends have been "voided." It is believed to represent one who was injured in battle. Cross Moline Quarter-pierced The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone) Cross Maltese (cross with eight points) Represents blessings; A cross of this form is the badge of Knight's Hospitalier and the badge of the knights of Malta, and of some other religious orders. The points are imagined to symbolize the eight beatitudes. Also found as the symbol for the Order of St. Stephen. If the cross is in white, it may represent the Military Order of Maria Theresa Cross Flory or Fleuretty A cross flowered at each end. Represents one who has conquered. The flowers signify purity and innocence. Cross of any Iberian Order of Knighthood Three particular Orders of note are (1) the Order of the Knights of St. John - began at a hospital and took care of Crusade pilgrims. (2) Teutonic Order - which admitted only knights from countries belonging to Germany. (3) Order of the Knights Templar - mainly French knights, adopted this cross in the early years when they were extremely poor. Later they became very wealthy and powerful and changed their symbol to the Cross Couped. The Templars were abolished by the King of France, but some of the other Orders still exist. Cross Gringoly This cross is used only in French heraldry. It is a cross with the heads of snakes issuing from the ends. It is said to signify the ability to devour those who attack the cross. Cross Fourchy It is found in ancient blazon, particularly in the time of Henry III. It is believed to represent the cross of a miller. Cross Fitchee (cross pointed at base) A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith. Cross Bottony Symbolizes the past and the future of the gospel of Christianity. Generally found on French arms. The name is derived from the French bouton, a bud or knob. It is a cross ending in three lobes like the trefoil leaf, and occurs rather frequently. Cross Pommy A plain cross terminating in four round pomels - like the knob at the end of swordhilts or the knobs at the top of the pilgrims' staves. It represents the supremacy of Christianity and the valiant knight who fights for it. "Key" Cross Also known as Cross Clechee. It is similar to the Cross Toulouse which is the insignia of that city. It is assumed that the bearer of either of these crosses was a crusader from the area of Toulouse. Cross Toulouse Appears in the insignia of the city of Toulouse. Suggests a crusader from that area. Cross Barby The ends of the cross represent hooks and may symbolize military duty at sea Cross Formy Fitchee Couped A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith Cross Fitchee Double Couped A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith Cross Indented Represents fire. May represent holy fire in battle Cross Engrailed The symbol of land or earth. May represent a crusader who sought to take Christianity throughout the earth Cross Invected The symbol of land or earth. May represent a crusader who sought to take Christianity throughout the earth Cross Bretessed A form of the Engrailed cross. The symbol of land or earth. May represent a crusader who sought to take Christianity throughout the earth Cross Embattled / Counter Embattled Represents Holy assault against the walls of a town. Cross Raguly Difficulties encountered, perhaps in the name of Christianity. Cross Raguly Counter Raguly Difficulties encountered, perhaps in the name of Christianity Cross Raguly and Trunked Difficulties encountered, perhaps in the name of Christianity Cross Wavy Represents the mystery of the cross Swastika Couped in Saltire Swastika is the Sanskrit word for Fylfot. It is a symbol of felicity. Fylfot Once considered as a good luck charm Fylfot Clubbed Good luck charm Cross Celtic Unity of heaven and earth Tau Cross or Cross of St. Anthony St Anthony is represented with such a cross embroidered upon the left side of his garment. It is said to represent a token of absolution with which the depraved are said to have been stamped on the hand. It should be drawn like a Greek Tau. Egyptian Cross More currently known as the Ankh. It is believed to symbolize life.

For our examples we have used the ordinary of the Fesse though these same designs could be applied to any of the ordinaries.

Engrailed Represents earth & land Invected Represents earth & land Wavy Represents the sea or water Nebuly Represents clouds or air Indented Represents fire Dancetty Represents water Embattled Represents fire, or the walls of a fortress or town Dovetailed Represents the defense of a fortress or town. The design is also known as Ghibelline Battlements. Potenty Symbolizes one who was injured in battle. Potent is an ancient name for crutch. Raguly Represents difficulties which have been encountered. Urdy Searching for representation description Rayonne Represents the rays of the sun. Symbolizes glory and splendor. Fir Tree top section Used in later Coats of Arms, primarily by persons from the Finland and the Scandinavian countries Fir Twig section Used in later Coats of Arms, primarily by persons from the Finland and the Scandinavian countries Cloverleaf section A favorite line of partition in Ireland Fleury Counter Fleury Frequently used in Scotland. AKA Double Tressure

Marks of Cadency for a Coat Of Arms First through the Sixth

Just as the original intent of a Coat of Arms was to distinguish one knight from another (since they were in armor with a helm protecting and also hiding their features), it was also necessary to provide distinctive bearings for different members of a family all entitled to bear the paternal arms. This gave rise to the use of Marks of Cadency, or differences (called by the French brisure.) The eldest son (during the lifetime of his father) bears a label of three points; the second son, a crescent; the third, a mullet; the fourth, a martlet; the fifth, an annulet; the sixth, a fleur-de-lis.Some historical documentation carries that out to the tenth with the seventh bearing a rose, the eighth a cross moline, the ninth an anchor, and the tenth a double quatrefoil. The graphics below shows each of the Marks of Cadency and then below that is a group of examples displaying how the original Coat of Arms might look along with each of the Marks of Cadency then being displayed as well.

Original Coat of Arms First Son Second Son Third Son Fourth Son Fifth Son Sixth Son

Coat of Arms for Individual Countries

Although coats of arms for towns and countries have been traced back to the twelve tribes of Israel, in early medieval days the symbols representing a country were those of the sovereign of that country. Thus coats of arms for a country could be altered somewhat by each succeeding monarch. It is also common for a country's coat of arms to incorporate symbols from countries they have conquered.

Aquitane   Aragon   Austria Baden   Bavaria   Belgium Brabant Bohemia   Brittany   Burgundy Castile   Croatia   Dalmatia Danzig   Denmark   England Finland   Flanders   France Franche Comte   Frisia (modern)   Germany Great Britain   Hainault   Hanover Hesse-Cassel   Hesse-Darmstadt   Holland Holy Roman Empire   Hungary   Ireland The Isles (Hebrides)   Japan   Leon Liechtenstein   Limburg   Lorraine Luxembourg   Mainz   Majorca Malta   Mecklenburg   Milan Modena   Monaco   Munster Namur   Navarre   Netherlands Norway   Nurnburg   Oldenburg Osnabruck   Parma   Pisa Poland   Pomerania   Portugal Prussia   Ragusa   Rhine Palatinate Russia   Sardina   Savoy - Italy Saxony   Scotland   Serbia Sicily   Silesia   Spain Speyer   Sweden   Switzerland Order of Templars   Order of Teutonic Knights   Tyrol Toulouse   Trier Genoa Padua   Turkey Tuscany   Venice   Wurttenberg

Symbols