Elements of a Coat of Arms

    Colours         Shield Elements         Charges         Points on the Shield    

Coats of arms have many elements, all with their own names. Some are listed below.

Colours

A few different colours and patterns are used in heraldry. Before looking at elements it may be useful to know the names of some of these.

Tinctures

Tinctures are what you commonly think of as colours. They include:

Gules - Gules is the heraldic name for the colour red.

Vert - Vert is the heraldic name for the colour green.

Azure - Azure is the heraldic name for the colour blue.

Sable - Sable is the heraldic name for the colour black.

Purpure - Purpure is the heraldic name for purple. It is slightly newer and less common than some of the others.

Tenné - Tenné is the heraldic name for the colour orange. It is a relatively new addition, and quite rare in heraldic design.

Metals

The metals gold and silver appear in almost every coat of arms. Gold is reffered to as or and silver is known as argent. Silver can also represent white.

Furs

Fur patterns are quite common in heraldry. There are many, but a few common ones include:

Ermine

Vair

Potent

Shield Elements

The shield, or "arms", can bear charges (symbols), and three kinds of background element: ordinaries, sub-ordinaries, and partitions.

Ordinaries

Ordinaries are the simplest, most common, and oldest background elements used in a coat of arms. They are:

The Chief - A wide band across the top of the shield.

The Base - A wide band across the bottom of the shield.

The Fess - A horizontal band.

The Pale - A vertical band.

The Chevron - A point-up chevron.

The Bend - A diagonal (dexter chief to sinister base) band.

The Bend Sinister - A diagonal (sinister chief to dexter base) band.

The Cross - Crossed vertical and horizontal bands, hence the name.

The Saltire - Two crossed diagonal bands forming an "X".

The Pall - Two crossed diagonal bands and a vertical band forming a "Y".

The Pile - A triangle with the point at the bottom of the shield.

Partitions

Partitions are created by dividing the shield in such a way that part of it can be given seperate colouration. These include:

The Per Fess Partition - A shield divided up into half horizontally. The top half should be coloured.

The Per Pale Partition - A shield divided up into half vertically. The left half should be coloured.

The Per Bend Partition - A shield divided up into half diagonally as shown. The top half should be coloured.

The Per Bend Sinister Partition - A shield divided up into half diagonally as shown. The top half should be coloured.

The Quarterly Partition - A shield divided up into quarters as shown.

The Gyronny Partition - A shield divided up into eighths as shown.

The Per Saltire Partition - A shield divided up into diagonaly quarters as shown.

The Per Chevron Partition - A shield divided up into half by a chevron as shown. The top half should be coloured.

Sub-Ordinaries

These are further designs that are not as widely used as the ordinaries but are still fairly common. They include designs such as:

The Bordure - A border around the shield.

The Inescutcheon - A shield inset in another shield.

The Orle - A band partway from the edge of the shield, running around the entire circumference, as in the image shown.

The Tressure - Two thin lines partway from the edge of the shield, running around the entire circumference.

The Flanches - Two semi-circles aranged as shown, reflecting the flanks of a horse.

The Canton - A rectangle or square in dexter chief (top left), unless otherwise specified.

The Gyron - A triangle in dexter chief (top left), unless otherwise specified. See gyronny.

Charges

Charges are the symbols that heraldry is built around. Charges can be animals or other symbols, and animals are often used a supporters, one on either side of the shield.

Animals and Monsters

Animals and monsters appear quite often in heraldic design. The most common animals are lions, eagles, and griffins (lion body and eagle head and claws). Some common animal charges include:

• The ANTELOPE appears in some coats of arms as a symbol of harmony, civility, and peace.
• The BADGER appears in English coats of arms as a symbol of bravery and protection.
• The BAT, called the RERE-MOUSE in heraldry, is a symbol of fear.
• The BEAR appears in crests representing deplomacy and strength. It is often muzzled.
• The BEAVER appears in some coats of arms, and it was adopted as a national symbols of Canada in 1975. It represents determination and industry.
• The BEE represents many things in heraldry, including eloquence, creativity, diligence, and wealth. It was famously used by Napoleon and is the most popular insect in heraldry.
• The BOAR appears in heraldry as an intrepid brave and fierce character, a wild one being refered to as a sanglier.
• The BULL appears quite often as a symbol of valour and magnanimity.
• The CALF appears as a symbol of self-sacrifice.
• The CAMELOPARD is the heraldic name for the girrafe.
• The CAT (or wildcat) represents liberty, courage, and vigilance.
• The CENTAUR, with the head of a man and the body of a horse, is a mythical creature representing manliness.
• The CRAB represents the act of gripping something and continuing to hold on to it. The LOBSTER and CREVICE (crayfish) are also used.
• The CRANE, often pictured holding a rock, is an image of vigilance, longevity, and justice.
• The DOG is the symbol of a faithful guardian.
• The DOVE is a symbol of peace, gentlness, and purity.
• The DRAGON, a mythical creture, is a valiant and powerful defender, sometimes reffered to as the LINDWURM in Germany.
• The DUCK is a very resourceful animal in heraldry.
• The EAGLE, when used in heraldry, represents both a man of action and the sun. It is the most commonly used bird in heraldry.
• The ELEPHANT, a slightly more modern addition to heraldry, represnts strength, courage, and wisdom.
• The FALCON or HAWK is also a very common bird, and represents eager pursuit. It is often belled on the legs.
• The FISH appears often, representing fortitude, industry, Christianity, and prowess.
• The FLY is a symbol of pestilence, and in heradldry normally is used as a the symbol of one who wards it off.
• The FOX represents one who is alert and resisting.
• The GOAT represents practical wisdom and diplomacy, along with keen sight and being on the side of God.
• The GRIFFIN is a cross between an eagle (head and forelegs), and a lion (body). It has ears unlike that of an eagle, however, and this makes it a unique creature. It is therefore made of the most royal animals in heraldry.
• The HARE, similar to the rabbit or CONEY, is peaceable and retired in heraldry, and is also a symbol of fetility.
• The HEDGEHOG or URCHEON, is fairly rare in heraldry but represents thoughtfulness.
• The HORSE is pictured in heraldry as one who loves victory and is powerful, brave, and intellegent. It is often used as a supporter.
• The LAPWING, a type of bird, is used in heraldic deign to show strategy.
• The LEOPARD as a symbol of courage and valiant force.
• The LION, the most common of all animals in heraldry, represents strength, valour, and deathless courage.
• The LYNX is an image of keen sight, and is only commonly found as a supporter.
• The MARTLET or swallow, is the symbol of swiftness and elegance.
• The MERMAID is on of the symbosl of a seafarer, normally a supporter in herladry.
• The OSTRICH is, surprisingly, the third most common bird in heradlry. It is normally pictured holding something in its mouth and represents faith and contemplation.
• The OTTER is used to show industry and perseverance in heraldry.
• The OWL is a heraldic symbol of vigilance and quick-wittedness, not exactly as a symbol of wisdom like we see it today.
• The PANTHER is seen in herldry as a brave defender of the weak.
• The PEACOCK symbolizes resurrection and immortality.
• PEGASUS is used, often as a crest, to show energy and fame.
• The PELICAN is the image of piety, virture, and self-scrifice when used in heraldry.
• The PHOENIX is a symbol of renewal and love.
• The PIKE represents many of the same things as a normal fish.
• The RAM, when used in heraldry, represents authority. It is common in crests.
• The RAVEN symbolizes providence and knowledge.
• The RHINOCEROS is a symbol of one who avoids combat but is a fierce enemy.
• The SALAMANDER represents faith and good luck in heraldry.
• The SEA HORSE is a mythical creature unrelated to an actual sea horse but rather a cross between a horse, a frog, and a fish. It represents safe travel by sea.
• The SERPENT is used in heraldic design as a wise, knowledgeable, and defiant creature.
• The SPHINX is a mythical creature symbolizing secrecy and omniscience.
• The SQUIRREL, normally shown sejant, is an English heraldic symbol of caution.
• The STAG has many meanings in heraldic design, including foresight, peace, fortitude, purity, and healing.
• The SWAN, when used in a coat of arms, represents grace, beauty, perfection and a love of art.
• The TIGER is shown in heraldry as a dangerous, brave, and fierce enemy.
• The TORTOISE is a symbol of invulerability and slow progress.
• The UNICORN, a mythical animal often found as a supporter, is a symbol of many things, including strength, elegance, charm, virtue, purity and courage.
• The WOLF is the heraaldic merciless and brave guardian.

Natural Objects

Plants, shells, and parts of animals are also fairly common in heraldry. Some natural symbols are listed below.

• The ACORN, usually green in heraldic deign, is a symbol of independence.
• The ECSALLOP, or scallop, is a shell in wide use representing safe travel and faithfulness.
• The EYE is a symbol of government providence when used in heraldry.
• FEATHERS are used to show willing obdeience and serenity. They are called a plume when at least five of them are grouped together.
• FLAMES are are heraldic representation of zeal.
• The GOLPE is a circle, an image of an inflicted wound.
• GRAPES are found in heraldry as a symbol of providence and good luck. They often come grouped together.
• The HEART (♥︎) is used in heraldry to represent sincerity, cahroty, and affection.
• HOLLY is a heraldic symbol of sacrality and truthfulness.
• The LILY and FLUER-DE-LIS both represent purity and innocence.
• The MOON is a heraldic symbol of serene everyday power.
• OAK LEAVES are a symbol of faith and endurance.
• The POMEGRANATE symbolizes prowess, courage, industry, and faith.
• The RAINBOW, which should be shown as gold, red, green, and silver, represents peace and good luck. It is normally found as a crest.
• REEDS are a symbol of justice and grace.
• The ROSE, which is found in several different forms in heraldry, represents joy, hope, grace and beauty.
• The SUN is a symbol of glory, authority, life and joy. When show as rising it also symbolizes hope.
• The THISTLE is a heraldic symbol representing pain and suffering. It can be coloured gold.
• The TREE appears fairly often in heraldry representing antiquity, strength and life. A tree stump also represents regrowth, and a forest is called a hurst in heraldry.
• The TREFOIL (the plant, not the knot), is a heraldic symbol representing the past, the present, and the future.

Other Objects

Many other charges are found in heraldry. Some of those in common use are listed below.

• The ANCHOR is a symbol of salvation, used by King Richard I.
• The ANNULET is a ring that represents wholeness. In English heraldry it is the cadency mark of the fifth son.
• The ARROW represents martial readiness and speed.
• BALANCES are an almost universal symbol of justice.
• The BANNER is a square, a symbol of victory. The precise design depends on the rank of the bearer, but these rules may not always be followed.
• The BATTLEAXE represents military authority.
• The BEACON is the symbol of one who is watchful.
• The BELL comes in three varieties:
• The CANTERBURY BELL represents pilgramage.
• The CHURCH BELL is the standard, a symbol of holiness and a lack of evil.
• The HAWK BELL is an image of a signalled approach.
• The BEZANT or talent, was a Byzantine coin representing justice and trustworthiness.
• The BILLET is a plain rectangle representing a folded letter.
• BOOKS have a slightly different meaning when closed and open. Both symbolize learning, but closed book represent counsel and open ones manefestation.
• The BUCKLE is a symbol of protection worn by the Prussian Counts of Wallenrodt.
• CALTRAPS, originally used to impede horses, are a fierce heraldic charge. They consist of four spikes at equal angles.
• A CASTLE represents either a physical castle or defence. A CHESS-ROOK, however symbolizes manipulation. Castles consist of two towers joined by a wall with a gate or door in it.
• The CRESCENT is a heraldic symbol of greater glory. It is also the English cadency mark of the second son.
• There are many different varieties of CROWN, each representing something slightly different. Some include:
• The CELESTIAL CROWN symbolizes power.
• The IMPERIAL CROWN represents an empire.
• The NAVAL CROWN is the symbol of one who is distinguised in the navy.
• The CUP shows faith and fertility.
• The ESCARBUNCLE consists of eight rods radiating out from a central point, with origins likely in reinforcement. It symbolizes supremacy.
• FASCES, also known as Roman fasces or Lictor's rods, are polished rods around a battle axe, a symbol of an office with authority. They have often been given to mayors or lord mayors.
• The FETTERLOCK demonstrates victory.
• A FOUNTAIN is a symbol of purification.
• GAUNTLETS are long armoured gloves found sometimes in heraldry.
• The HAMMER is an honourable symbol of dominance related to iron.
• INSTRUMENTS, of which there are many varients, show festivity in general.
• The KEY represents knowledge, guardianship, and is often an ecclesiastical symbol.
• The LABEL, which consists of a bar with one side dovetailed three times, is the English cadency mark of the first son.
• The LADDER represents fearless resolved sttack.
• The SCEPTRE is a symbol of justice and royal authority.
• The SCYTHE (or sickle or sned), is the symbol of the hope of a fruitful harvest.
• The SHIP represents joy and adventure.
• The SPEAR is, when whole, the symbol of a chivalrous knight's service. When broken it represents peace, and when a SPEARHEAD or javelin is shown the meaning is dexterity and a nimble wit.
• SPURS represent magnificent deeds.
• The STAR, or MULLET, symbolizes honour, achievement, and hope. Stars have five points in English heradlry and six or more in French heraldry.
• A SWORD is the symbol of strength, freedom, and military honour.

Points on the Shield

Various points on the shield have different names. It is important to know at least the four basic directions, remembering that dexter is the right side from the knight's point of view if he is carrying the shield.

The Directions

Dexter - The right side of the shield from the bearer's point of view.

Sinister - The left side of the shield from the bearer's point of view.

Chief - The top of the shield.

Base - The top of the shield.

Specific Points

Dexter Chief - The top right corner of the shield from the bearer's point of view.

Sinister Chief - The top left corner of the shield from the bearer's point of view.

Dexter Base - The bottom right corner of the shield from the bearer's point of view.

Sinister Base - The bottom left corner of the shield from the bearer's point of view.

Middle Chief - A point on the middle of the shield at the top.

Honour Point - A point on the middle of the shield a quarter of the way from the top.

Fess Point - A point in the middle of the shield.

Nombril (Navel Point) - A point on the middle of the shield a quarter of the way from the bottom.

Middle Base - A point on the middle of the shield at the bottom.