Colors of Heraldry - Knowledge Base, HouseofNames.com Colors of Heraldry Gules (Red) Red, with the former name of Belic, is the military colour for excellence and fortitude. Red corresponds to the metal copper and is denoted in engravings by numerous perpendicular lines. It also represents fire and summer. Ancient laws restricted its use to princes and their families. Red is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity. Purpure (Purple) Purple is a rare colour in early rolls of arms. In heraldic terms it is referred to as ï¿½purpure.ï¿½ This is the traditional colour of kings and royalty, and therefore, signifies justice and majesty. In engravings, it is expressed by lines in bend sinister, or slanting to the left. Tawny (Orange) An orange is the name given to a tawny roundle, a roundle being any circular charge of colour or metal. It is supposed to represent a tennis ball. Tennis was once a game played strictly by royalty and nobles and the orange indicates that the bearer was a member of that class; however, the orange is seldom met in heraldry.

Azure (blue) Blue was called "azure" by heralds, and represents the colour of an eastern sky on a clear day. It also corresponds to the metal tin. The word, "azure" was introduced from the east during the Crusades. It signifies piety and sincerity, and is equated with autumn. In engravings it is represented by horizontal lines. Sable (black) Black, the coldest of the colours, corresponds to lead. Black, or "sable," is symbolic of sadness. It also corresponds with winter and is a humble color, suitable for the deeply religious. It denotes the qualities of knowledge, piety, serenity and work. Engravers represent it with numerous horizontal and vertical lines crossing each other. Vert (green) Green, or in heraldic terms, "vert," signifies felicity and pleasure. It was symbolic of joy, youth and beauty. Green was also associated with the spring. The bearer of the green is obliged to defend the peasant and all who work on the land. It is expressed in engravings by lines in bend, or slanting to the right.

Assorted Lessons in SCA Heraldry: Rule of Tincture Assorted Lessons in SCA Heraldry Edited By Jaelle of Armida. (mka Judy Gerjuoy) Rule of Tincture. Simply, the Rule of Tincture says that "good contrast" must exist between the field and the charges upon it, or between a charge and the charges on it. Good contrast exists between: A metal and a color An element equally divided of a color and a metal and any other element, provided identifiability is maintained A color and a charge blazoned proper that is predominantly light A metal and a charge blazoned proper that is predominantly dark Some Definitions... Metals are argent and Or . Colors are azure, gules, purpure, sable, and vert . Ermine and erminois (gold with black spots) are counted as metals. Counter ermine and pean are counted as colors (black with silver/gold spots respectively). Vair and its variants are equally divided of a color and a metal. "Neutral" means "equally divided of a color and a metal". So much for definitions... On the right side are all of the standard field divisions and the ordinary that corresponds to that line division.

How do you apply the rule of tincture to determine what tincture combinations are legal? In a divided field, neither portion lies over the other; they are next to each other. For this reason, it is not necessary for there to be good contrast between the parts of a divided field, so long as the field is divided into two parts, quarterly, or per saltire. A field divided into three parts (Per pall and Per pall inverted) must have good contrast between two of the parts. Any other field division must have good contrast between the parts. Now for some examples: Per chevron gules and sable... is OK. Gules, a chevron sable... is not. The black chevron does not stand out against the red field. Per bend argent and purpure... is OK. Argent, a bend purpure... is also OK. Per pall sable, purpure, and gules... is not OK. Per pall sable, purpure, and Or... is OK. Quarterly argent and Or... is OK. Argent, a cross Or... is not. The gold cross is difficult to see against the white field. Per fess ermine and erminois... is OK.

Ermine, a fess erminois... is not; the predominantly gold fess does not show up against the predominantly white field. Per fess vert and argent, a fess Or... is OK. The field is neutral, and the fess is neither of the tinctures of the field. Per bend gules and Or, a bend Or... is not OK. The portion of the bend on the Or field is invisible. On the field "Per chevron inverted purpure and Or..." you can place any tincture except Or and purpure (remember that erminois is functionally Or, also). Try your hand at some exercises. Which of the following obey the law of tincture? [write down your answers, and check them by clicking the link below.] 1. Per fess argent and Or. 2. Per pall inverted sable, gules, and vert. 3. Per saltire purpure and azure. 4. Quarterly gules and azure, a cross vert. 5. Per chevron azure and argent, a fess gules. 6. Per bend sinister purpure and sable, a bend argent. 7. Per pale argent and Or, a pale erminois. 8.

Per bend azure and gules, a cross sable. 9. Per pall ermine, erminois, and sable. 10. Per chevron inverted Or and sable, a pale argent. 11. Per saltire azure and erminois, a saltire argent. 12. Per fess argent and Or, a fess sable. 13. Per pale sable and argent, a fess gules. 14. Per chevron gules and azure, a chevron argent. 15. Per bend purpure and vert, a bend vair. 16. Quarterly vair and ermine, a cross argent. 17. Per pall gules, vair, and sable, a pall argent. 18. Per pall inverted Or, argent, and ermine, a pall inverted sable. 19. Per bend sinister sable and argent, a bend sinister counter ermine. 20. Per saltire Or and argent. Standard field divisions and corresponding ordinary. Per fess... The tincture Gules The Tincture Gules Gules means red in heraldry.

It has meant red since 1165 at least, in French (where the word is gueules). In early times, other words were also used to mean red, such as "rouge" (red), "vermeil" (vermilion) and "sinople". This last word comes from the city of Sinope in Asia Minor, where the local clay had a red-ochre color (this is similar to the modern use of the word sienna). Until the mid-14th c., French blazon called green as Anglo-Norman blazon does, i.e., vert. Then, the word sinople switched from meaning red to meaning green, for obscure reasons (perhaps to avoid confusion between vert and vair, which sound the same in French). The problem with gules or gueules is the etymology. The French word looks like a plural of the word gueule, from medieval Latin gula, meaning a carnivore animal's mouth. But what could the link be? 19th and 20th century dictionaries and reference works see no link, and have tended to adopt a derivation from the Persian word gul, which means rose (the flower).

This hypothesis has been proposed since the 17th century at least, but there seems to be no firm evidence in its favor. Another derivation of gueules, the color from gueule, the mouth, has also been proposed. It is argued that the word gueules originally (as of the mid-12th c. at least) designated small strips of fur used as trim on fur coats, around the neck and wrists. It appears that in some cases the "goules" are made of marten fur (one text says "goules de martre"); and that, even in the early 20th c., it was customary to use the inside of the throat of the animal. At that time, the word gueule already meant mouth. The one problem is that this fur is a yellowish-brown color. In one text, an ermine skirt is described as "circa collem et circa manus rubris gulis praeparatam." It is possible that these fur trims were commonly tinted red, although there is something a bit circular in this hypothesis.

In any event, a word derived from furs would not be surprising in heraldry, since vair, ermine and sable are also names of furs. But then again, an oriental origin, although there is no proof in this case, would also be in line with the etymology for azure and sinople (vert in French). Here is the Oxford English Dictionary's note on the etymology of gules: Old French goules, gueules (Fr. gueules) = med. Latin gulae (plural), ermine dyed red. The ulterior etymology is disputed: the word coincides in form with the plural of the French and medieval Latin word for `throat'. If the heraldic sense be the original, the allusion may be to the colour of the open mouth of a heraldic beast. It seems more likely, however, that the heraldic use is transferred from the sense `red ermine', in which case the word may represent some oriental name; but the suggestion of derivation from Persian gul, rose (Hatzfeld-Darmesteter), is very improbable.

Notice that the OED finds it "more likely" that the heraldic use came from the furs rather than the reverse; but they do not seem to be aware of, or interested in, the possible connection through furs from throats of the marten, since they think that gules is ermine died red: in which case the origin remains a complete mystery (what would the connection be with throats of animals?) and they see an oriental origin as possible. Anybody know a furrier?... Gules (heraldry) - definition of Gules (heraldry) by The Free Dictionary Gules (heraldry) - definition of Gules (heraldry) by The Free Dictionary n. Heraldry The color red, indicated on a blazon by vertical lines. [Middle English goules, from Old French, red fur neckpiece, pl. of gole, throat, from Latin gula.] gules adj, n (usually postpositive) (Heraldry) heraldry red [C14: from Old French gueules red fur worn around the neck, from gole throat, from Latin gula gullet] gules n. the heraldic color red.

[1300–50; Middle English goules < Old French gueules red fur neckpiece, derivative of gole throat < Latin gula] Translations Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.

Meaning of Heraldic Colors for Your Custom Coat of Arms Design Your Coat of Arms / Symbols Engraved Wood Plaques Coffee Mugs / Kitchenware Baby Gift Set & Baby Items Coporate Gift / Golf Gifts / Golfing Tee Shirts / Polo Shirt / Sweatshirts Embroidered Shirts / Towels/ More Embroidery for Large Coat of Arms Custom Blazer Badges Wedding Gifts Anniversary Gift Free Family Tree Guide Desk Accessories / Ink Pen Sets Acrylic / Wood / Other Items Affordable Family Crest Rings Heraldry Jewelry Rings Scottish Jewelry Rings Custom Made Rings / Pendants Military Rings & {Police / Fire} Family Genealogy Research Surname Origin Research Decorative Flag Banner Family Coat of Arms Last Name Meaning Genealogy Charts/Pricing Customizing Your chart Family Tree Printing Glassware Family Tree Gift Idea Using Photo Free Coat of Arms Search Free Last Name Search Contact Us Questions Links Site Map Site Map 2 The Tree Maker offers the following colors: Argent, Or, Sable, Vert, Azure, Gules, Purpure, Sanguine and Tenne/Tawny to help our customers in the design of their custom coat of arms. We hope that this information on the meaning of colors will be of help.

Meaning of Heraldic Colors for Your Custom Coat of Arms Most heraldic colors have more than one meaning. Over hundreds of years, some of these meanings have changed. Here are the main meanings behind each color that we have in our records. Silver / White – Argent: Signifies truth, sincerity, peace, innocence and purity. Gold – Or: Signifies wisdom, generosity, glory, constancy and faith. Black – Sable: Signifies wisdom, grief, constancy and prudence. Green – Vert: Signifies abundance, joy, hope and loyalty in love. Blue – Azure: Signifies loyalty, chastity, truth, strength and faith. Red – Gules: Signifies magnanimity, military strength, warrior and martyr. Purple – Purpure: Signifies temperance, regal, justice, royal majesty, and sovereignty. Maroon / Blood Red – Sanguine / Murray: Signifies Fortitude or victorious. Orange – Tenne / Tawny: Signifies ambition. Please remember that the first coat of arms was granted in 1088 and since then the meaning of colors for a coat of arms has changed over time. Also some countries view colors differently from other countries.

We simply want to make sure you are informed as much as possible. The colors we have in Latin are: Argent, Or, Sable, Vert, Azure, Gules, Purpure, Sanguine and Tenne/Tawny. The Tree Maker hopes this information has been helpful and suggests that you take your time in designing a custom coat of arms to make sure it has all the symbols you wish to use that stands for you values as a family. Family Crest - Alphabetic Surname Listings A GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN HERALDRY by JAMES PARKER Abacot . See Cap . Abased , (fr. abaissé): this term is used when a chevron , fesse , or other ordinary, is borne lower than its usual situation. Charges, however, when placed low down in the shield are said to be in base. Abatements , sometimes called Rebatements , are marks of disgrace attached to arms on account of some dishonourable act of the bearer.

They are shewn by pieces of different shapes being to all appearance cut out of, or off from, the shield; their shapes and positions are represented by the following varieties, which are nine in number, and must be either sanguine or tenné, which the old writers call "staynande colours," otherwise they are no abatements but honourable charges, viz.-- 1. Delf. 4. Point dexter. 7. Gore sinister. 2. Inescutcheonreversed. 5. Point pointed. 8. Gusset dexter. 3. Plain Point. 6. Point champaine. 9. Gusset sinister. As the use of arms in not compulsory, a bearer would of course rather relinquish them than publish his own disgrace by bearing them abated. Abatements such as the above exist only in systems of heraldry, and no instance of their actual use is on record: but under the several headings diagrams will be found explaining the meaning of the terms which are used by heraldic writers. Broken chevrons, and beasts turned towards the sinister, are supposed by some heraldic writers to have been given as abatements .

"And Edward the Third of England ordained two of six stars which a gentleman had in his arms to be effaced, because he had sold a seaport of which he was made governor." [According to Sir George Mackenzie, in allusion to AYMERY OF PAVIA, a Lombard, governor of Calais in 1349, who bore azure, four mullets or.] There is another mark of disgrace which is due only to the traitor: is consists in debasing or reversing the entire coat. Ace : See Cards . Achievements , spelt sometimes atchievements, and more frequently hatchments: coats of arms in general, and particularly those funeral escutcheons, which being placed upon the fronts of houses or in churches, or elsewhere, set forth the rank and circumstances of the deceased. The arms upon the latter may in all cases be either single or quartered. When the deceased is the last of his line a death's head may be placed over his arms instead of, or besides, the crest. A. OFFICIAL PERSONAGES. 1, 2. A king or reigning queen, whether married or not.--The royal arms complete, upon a ground entirely black. 3.

A queen consort.--The achievements of a queen consort should be arranged in a manner similar to that of the lady of a peer. 4. Archbishops and bishops.--An archbishop or bishop has his paternal arms impaled after the insignia of his see, both being surmounted by a mitre. The ground must be per pale, white on the dexter side, signifying that the see never dies, and black on the sinister, denoting the decease of the bishop. Whether the bishop be married or unmarried will make no difference in the arrangement of his achievement . The arms of the bishops of Winchester and Oxford(the one, prelate, and the other, chancellor of the order of the garter) should be encircled by the garter, and have their badges pendent. The archbishops of Armagh and Dublin bear the badge of the order of S.Patrick in the same manner. Prelates having temporal jurisdiction, (as the bishops of Durham had,) may bear a crosier and sword saltirewise behind their arms; the hilt of the sword should be uppermost. 5, 6.

The dean of a cathedral or collegiate church, or the head of a college, whether married or not.--The insignia of the deanery or college impaled with the paternal coat must be placed upon a ground parted per pale white and black, as in No. 4. A dean or other clerk should by no means bear a helmet , mantle , or crest . The deans of Windsor, Westminster, and S.Patrick's, Dublin, should bear the badges of their respective orders. 7. Kings of Arms.--The achievement of a king of arms should contain the insignia of his office and his paternal coat impaled together, and surmounted by his helmet , crest , mantling , and crown . Some kings of arms have encircled their shields with the collar of SS belonging to their office. The ground of this achievement must be, like the above, per pale white and black. Achievement in case of a Bachelor. B. BACHELORS.

All bachelors(official personages already mentioned being excepted), must have their arms complete, that is to say, with all the external ornaments belonging to their condition, upon a black ground, namely, if an esquire, with his wreath , helmet , and crest , and perhaps it may be with a mark of cadency on the arms. The arms being without any impalement, or any escutcheon of pretence, shews that the bearer was an unmarried man. Achievement in case of a Knight. C. HUSBANDS. 1. In general.--All husbands(except those whose wives are peeresses in their own right) should have a shield with the external ornaments proper to their rank, containing their own arms on the dexter side, impaled with their wives' on the sinister side, or if the latter be heiresses theirs must be upon an escutcheon of pretence. In all cases the ground will be per pale black and white, the dexter being black to denote the husband's decease. According to some modern heralds it is not proper for a knight to include the arms of his wife within the collar, ribbon, or other insignia of his order.

In compliance with this opinion it is customary for the achievement of a knight(whether a peer or not) to be arranged thus:--Two shields are placed side by side, the first, which is encircled by the garter or other distinction of the order, contains the husband's arms alone, and the second those of the husband and wife. Both these shields are included within the external ornaments pertaining to the husband's rank. The ground is perpendicularly divided at the middle of the second shield, the dexter side black, the sinister white. Marriages previous to the last one should not be noticed upon achievements. 2. A husband of any rank, whose lady is a peeress in her own right.--Two escutcheons; the dexter containing the arms of the husband with the lady's upon an escutcheon of pretence ensigned with her coronet : the sinister lozenge-shaped, with the lady's alone. Each must be accompanied by all its proper external ornaments. The ground should be perpendicularly divided at the middle of the dexter escutcheon, and painted black and white. D. WIDOWERS. Their funeral achievements only differ from those of husbands, under similar circumstances, in the ground being totally black.

Woman ( sovereign princesses excepted) may not bear helmets, crests, or mantlings, but a peeress is entitled to her robe of estate. E. UNMARRIED LADIES OF ANY RANK. The arms of an unmarried lady must be placed in a lozenge, but no external ornaments of an heraldic nature should be used, unless she were a peeress. In that case her supporters , robe of estate and coronet, should be added: the ground entirely black. Shells, cherubims' heads , and knots or bows of ribbon, are often placed above the arms of women, whether spinsters, wives, or widows. F. WIVES. 1. In general.--Their achievements are arranged precisely as their husbands' would be, except that the helmet, crest, mantle, and motto, are omitted, and the ground painted per pale, white and black, or, to speak more accurately, black under the arms of the wife, and white under those of the husband. 2.

The wife of an archbishop or bishop.--It is customary to arrange the achievement of the wife of a prelate thus:--Two shields, the first containing the impaled arms of the see and the bishop, surmounted by a mitre, and the second, the family arms of the bishop with those of his wife, and over them a knot of ribbons or a cherub's head : the ground all white except that part under the arms of the wife(i.e. about one third per pale on the sinister side), which must be black. Achievement in case of a Widow. G. WIDOWS. The achievements of widows differ from those of wives in two respects; the escutcheon or escutcheons are lozenge-shaped(escutcheons of pretence excepted), and the ground is entirely black. The arms should be encircled by a silver Cordon, which is the special symbol of widowhood. As the episcopal dignity in one in which a wife cannot participate, the achievement of a prelate's widow should not differ from that of the widow of a private gentleman. The same may be said of the widow of a knight.

The place for affixing the arms above described is against the residence of the deceased; but some years ago in many churches, but now in very few, helmets and banners of some deceased knight were frequently found remaining hung up in some aisle or chapel, and these also went by the name of hatchments . The banners in St.George's, Windsor, afford the most complete example of the survival of an old custom, and here also the achievement is engraved on a plate in the stall held by each successive knight of the Order of the Garter. In France the litre, or lisiere, hung around the churches, answers, perhaps, to the hatchment. Acorn , (fr. gland, old fr. cheyne): this is usually represented vert , but they may be of other colours. They may also be slipped or leaved. An acorn-sprig is not unfrequently used in the arms, and is often used also as a crest . Sometimes, too, the acorn-cups are represented alone. Sire Rauf de Cheyndut, de azure, a un cheyne de or, e un label de goules--Roll of Arms, temp. EDW. II.

Argent, three martlets azure, on a chief gules an acorn between two mullets or--CAIRNS. An acorn slipped and leaved--Seal of town of WOKINGHAM. Argent, three acorns slipped vert--AIKENHEAD and TATTON. Vert, three acorns or--HARDING and SMITH, Middlesex. Quarterly, per fess indented first and fourth gules in chief a maunch argent, in base an acorn sprig--AKERMAN, Surrey. Argent, three cups of acorns, azure--ATHUL. Acorns are also borne by the families of ASHTON, Marketfield; ATASTER(or AKASTER); BRETTELL, Worcester; BOYS; CROMIE, Kildare; CUDDERLEY, Derby; DALLING; DUNCAN, Essex; FYFIELD; IFIELD; JOHNSON, Warrington; PALMER, Middlesex; SEVENOKE, and others. Annodated : bowed embowed , or bent in the form of the letter S. Annulet , (fr.

Anneau and Anelet, written sometimes in plural Anelettz or Anels:) a small ring, possibly derived from the links composing chain armour. It is of frequent occurrence as a charge , and generally more than one appear: the two annulets are often linked in fess, or embraced; or they may be conjunct. Three may in like manner be interlaced in triangle. When three rings are interlaced the expression gimbal rings is sometimes used, and when more, they form a chain, q.v. The single annulet is likewise the difference, or mark of cadency, assigned to the fifth son. Azure, three annulets argent, (of another branch or)--ANLETT. Sir Nicholas de VEPOUND de or a vj aneus de gules--Roll, temp. ED. II. Sire Johan de CROMWELLE de goules a vj aneus de or--Ibid. Monsire de BARTON de Fryton port d'ermin, sur fes gules trois anneletts d'or--Roll, temp. ED. III.

Argent, two annulets linked together gules, between three crosses formy sable--THORNHAGH, Nottingham. Argent, two annulets conjunct sable, within an orle of trefoils slipped vert--John ETON. Ermine, three annulets interlaced in triangle gules--MANDERE. Gules, six annulets embraced or, two, two and two--BRACER. Gules, six annulets interlaced palewise in pairs, and a chief or--CLENCH. Argent, nine annulets in saltire interlaced[chain], five gules and four azure--HATCHET. Ermine, three annulets, one within another, gules--FYTTON. (See also under roundles 'faux rondelets'.) Annuletty , Annulated, or Ringed: crosses and saltires are occasionally couped and ringed at the ends. See angles and Cross annuletty, the couping being implied. Ant , (fr. fourmi). Of the insecta of the animal kingdom there are but few representatives.

The ants , and with them the emmets, may be mentioned: the former are generally represented on their ant-hill(fr. fourmiliêre). Vert, an ant argent--KENDIFFE. Sable, on a chevron between three ant-hills or, each charged with four ants proper, as many holly leaves azure--Benedictine Abbey of PERSHORE. Argent, a bend azure between three emmets sable--MASSY. HARRIS. Antelope : it is now customary with herald-painters to draw animals as they appear naturally, which is, generally speaking, directly contrary to the practice of ancient artists, who drew them conventionally. Hence arises the distinction between the heraldic antelope and the natural. The form of the antelope , as drawn by the old heralds, has a mane and long tail, and differs considerably from the fawn-like appearance of the animal in nature. Antelopes' heads are also frequently named, and both the animal and the head appear among the crests. The antelope gorged with a crown occurs amongst the badges of Henry V., and with an ordinary collar with chain attached amongst those of Henry VI.

Argent, an heraldic antelope gules, tusked, horned, maned and hoofed or--ANTILUPE. Sable, an antelope salient argent, attired, unguled, tufted, and maned or--HARRIS, Monm. and Devon. Argent, on a bend gules, three antelopes passant of the first, attired or--HALLIWELL, Lancaster. Azure, a fess nebuly ermine between three antelope's heads erased argent--SNOW, London. Sable, three antelope's heads couped argent armed or--BRUSARD. With the heraldic Antelope must be grouped the Ibex , which resembles it, although belonging to the goat-tribe. Argent, a fess engrailed between three ibexes passant sable--SEDBOROUGH, York. Lozengy argent and vert, on a bend azure an annulet in chief of two heraldic ibex's heads or--Sir John YOUNG, Lord Mayor of London, 1466.

Antique , (fr.): a word not infrequent in the blazoning of coats of arms, signifying that the charge, &c., is to be drawn after the antique or ancient manner; e.g. an antique crown , boot , bow , escutcheon , ship , temple , plough , hulk , &c. The antique crown , for instance, is encircled by a series of plain triangular rays. Argent, a lion rampant gules, crowned with an antique crown or--ROCHE, Ireland. Azure, an antique bow in fess, and arrow in pale argent.--MULLER. Or, on a lion rampant sable, an antique escutcheon or, charged with a cross patty gules--POWNALL. TREMAYNE. Gules, three dexter arms conjoined at the shoulders, and fixed in triangle[like the legs in the ensign of the Isle of Man], vested or, with fists clenched, proper--TREMAYNE, Cornwall. Sable, three dexter arms conjoined at the shoulder, and fixed in triangle, vested or, cuffed argent, the fists clenched, proper--ARMSTRONG.

Gules, three dexter arms braced[i.e. vambraced] argent, hands proper--ARMSTRONG, Ballycumber. Gules, a naked arm embowed, issuing from the sinister holding a battle-axe erect proper--HINGENSON, Bucks. Gules, an arm in armour proper, holding a Danish battle-axe argent--HINGSTON, Holbeton, Devon. Gules, issuing from the sinister side a cubit dexter arm unvested, fesswise grasping a sword proper--CORNOCK, co. Wexford. The arm is also borne by the families of ARMORBERY--DE LA FAY--PUREFOY--BORLASE--ARMORER--RENNCEVALE--HANCOCK--CHAMBERLAYNE, and many others. An Arm , when used as a Crest , more frequently holds a dagger, arrow, &c.; also two arms sometimes occur. Armed , (fr.

armé): when any beast of prey has teeth and claws, or any beast of chase(except stags, &c.) horns and hoofs, or any bird of prey beak and talons, of a tincture different from its body, it is said to be armed of such a tincture, though, as regards hoofs, hoofed, or unguled(fr. onglé), is the more accurate term. The lion is usually langued of the same tincture . The application to beasts and birds of prey is because their talons are to them weapons of defence. Argent, three bars azure, over all an eagle with two heads gules, armed or--SPEKE, Cornwall. When the term is applied to arrows it refers to their iron points: and when a Man is said to be armed at all points it signifies that he is entirely covered with armour except his face . Armoyé , (fr.): charged with a shield of arms . Arms in heraldry signify the Armorial bearings(fr. Armoiries), and strictly speaking the term is applied only to those borne upon the shield. Crests, badges, and the like are not properly so described.

The origin, or even date, of the earliest examples of armorial bearings has occasioned much dispute, so that the subject requires a treatise to itself. The various modes of acquiring, and reasons for bearing arms are differently described by different writers, but the following varieties will be found to represent the more usual classification. Arms of Dominion are those borne by sovereign princes; being those of the states over which they reign: while Arms of Pretension are those borne by sovereigns who have no actual authority over the states to which such arms belong, but who quarter them to express their prescriptive right thereunto. Arms of Succession, otherwise called feudal arms, are those borne by the possessors of certain lordship or estates: while Arms of Family are hereditary, being borne(with proper differences ) by all the descendants of the first bearer. Arms of Assumption are such as might rightfully be taken, according to certain laws, from the original bearer otherwise than by grant or descent: and Arms of Alliance are those of a wife, which a man impales with his own, or those which he quarters, being the arms of heiresses who have married into his family.

Arms of Adoption are those borne by a stranger, when the last of a family grants him the right to bear his name and arms, as well as to possess his estates: and Arms of Concession are granted when an important service has been rendered to the Sovereign. The grant almost always consists of an Augmentation, q.v. Arms of Patronage: those of the lesser nobility or gentry derived from the arms of the greater. Arms of Office, such as those borne by Bishop , Deans, Kings of Arms, &c.; and lastly, Arms of Community, those borne by cities , towns , abbeys , universities, colleges, guilds, mercantile companies, &c. The arms of abbeys and colleges are generally those of their founders, to which the abbeys usually added some charge of an ecclesiastical character, as a crosier , mitre , or key . Such arms, as well as those borne by Sovereigns , are more properly termed Insignia. The Royal Arms.

Arms have been assigned in subsequent times to all the early kings of England from Alfred the Great onwards, but the earliest English sovereign for whose insignia we have any contemporary authority is Richard Cœur-de-Lion. From that time onwards the series is complete; and in most cases the great seal of each successive reign affords a good illustration. The following notes will be found to represent a brief summary of the more important changes. According to a theory of comparatively late date, HENRY II., upon his marriage with Eleanor, daughter and heiress of the Duke of Aquitaine and Guyenne, added another lion, and hence the Insignia of England(q.v.) Gules, three lions passant gardant in pale[called the lions of England] or. These arms appear very distinctly upon the great seal of his successor, RICHARD I., but there is a second great seal of this king(perhaps even earlier), in which a portion of the shield is shewn, and(possibly by carelessness of the die-cutter) this contains a lion counter-rampant. The great seals of JOHN, HENRY III., and EDWARD I. exhibit the arms of England very clearly. The seal of EDWARD II.

is without a coat of arms , but there is abundance of other evidence for ascribing the same to him. Le Roy de ENGLETERRE, porte de goules a iij lupars passauns de or--Roll, temp. ED. II. EDWARD III., for some years after his accession, bore the same arms , but after 1340 he bore-- Quarterly 1 and 4; azure semy of fleur-de-lis or[for France] 2 and 3, arms of ENGLAND. On the seal is represented, for the first time, a distinct crest(a lion passant on a chapeau). There are several authorities for the same arms being borne by RICHARD II.; but towards the end of his reign he impaled the imaginary arms of EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, his patron Saint. Azure, a cross patonce between five martlets or. HENRY IV. bears on his great seal the same arms , and apparently a similar crest. The badges of HENRY V. are sometimes given as the supporters of the arms of HENRY IV., but on no good authority. HENRY V. bears the same arms , but CHARLES VI.

of France having reduced the number of fleur-de-lys in the arms of that kingdom to three, the arms of HENRY V. were then altered, and appear so in the great seal. HENRY VI. the same; and the arms appear with two antelopes argent, attired, unguled, and spotted or, gorged with crowns as supporters , and the motto , Dieu et mon droit. EDWARD IV., EDWARD V., and RICHARD III., the same arms , with supporters 'a lion rampant argent, and a bull sable armed and unguled or;' and in one case 'two white boars armed, unguled, and bristled or.' HENRY VII. and HENRY VIII., EDWARD VI., MARY and ELIZABETH the same arms , excepting that after Mary's marriage with king Philip, she bore the arms of the two sovereigns impaled, viz. with that of PHILIP on the dexter. Throughout the supporters appear varied. A dragon gules and a greyhound argent appear with the arms of HENRY VII. A dragon and greyhound, also a lion and greyhound, with those of HENRY VIII.

A lion and dragon with those of EDWARD VI. A lion and greyhound with those of MARY, and a lion and dragon with those of ELIZABETH. But the authorities, chiefly in sculpture and painting, are not much to be depended on. JAMES I. On his great seal we find the following:-- JAMES I. Quarterly, I. and IV. counter quartered: 1 and 4 FRANCE; 2 and 3 ENGLAND. II. Or, a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter flory gules--SCOTLAND. III. Azure, a harp or stringed argent--IRELAND. These arms were continued to be used by CHARLES I., CHARLES II., and JAMES II., and are usually represented in carving, painting, &c., with the same supporters , namely, the lion and the unicorn. It may be noted, however, that CROMWELL, as Protector, bore:-- Quarterly 1 and 4; argent a cross gules[i.e. of St.George, for ENGLAND]. 2, Azure, a saltire argent[i.e. of St.Andrew, for SCOTLAND].

3, Azure, a harp or, stringed argent[for IRELAND], and on an escutcheon surtout sable a lion rampant gardant argent[for CROMWELL]. WILLIAM and MARY bore the same arms , but the former with an escutcheon surtout bearing the arms of NASSAU(Azure, semé of billets and a lion rampant or). Queen ANNE bore the arms of JAMES II., but on the union with Scotland in 1707 the Royal Arms were marshalled:-- Quarterly 1 and 4, ENGLAND impaled with SCOTLAND; 2 FRANCE; 3 IRELAND; GEORGE I. and GEORGE II. the same, except that in the fourth quartering the arms of HANOVER were substituted for ENGLAND. GEORGE III. After the Treaty of Amiens in 1801 the Arms of France were abandoned and the Royal Arms were:-- Quarterly 1 and 4 ENGLAND; 2 SCOTLAND; 3 IRELAND; an escutcheon with the arms of HANOVER surtout ensigned with the electoral bonnet[afterwards with a crown].

GEORGE IV. and WILLIAM IV. the same. VICTORIA as follows:-- Quarterly 1 and 4 ENGLAND; 2 SCOTLAND; 3 IRELAND. From JAMES I. onwards the Lion and Unicorn remained the supporters, generally with the same motto , Dieu et mon droit. STANDARD. Arrow , (fr. flêche): the ordinary position of an arrow is in pale, with the point downward, that is, falling(fr. tombante), but to prevent the possibility of a mistake, it would be better always to mention it, because in French coats they are more frequently the other way. When represented as rising , it should be stated "with point upwards," &c. Arrows appear blazoned as barbed (fr. ferré) or armed(fr. armé) of the tincture of their points, and flighted or feathered(fr. empenné) of that of their feathers; also notched(or nooked) (fr. encoché) of the tincture of the end which rests on the bowstring.

The tincture given is that of the shaft, but with French heralds it is sometimes named as shafted (fr. futé ) of such a tincture. Vert, an arrow in pale, point downwards, or, barbed and feathered argent--STANDARD, Oxfordsh. [A particular arrow was called a standard, and hence this is a canting coat.] Gules, two arrows in saltire argent, over all a fess chequy of the second and first--MACAULAY. Argent, two arrows in saltire, points upward azure between four 5-foils of the last--JAMESON. Per pale embattled gules and azure an arrow in bend or, barbed and feathered argent, point upward--CUGLER, Hertfordshire. Gules, three arrows double pointed or--HALES. When arrows are in bundles such bundles are called sheaves of arrows (the number and position being in some cases mentioned). Gules, three bundles of as many arrows argent--BYEST, Salop. Gules, three sheaves of arrows points upwards argent--JOSKYN.

Gules, three bundles of as many arrows, two in saltire and one in pale or, feathered headed, and tied in the middle with a string argent--BESTE. A bird-bolt again differs, not being barbed as an ordinary arrow : it may be described as a blunt-headed arrow used to shoot birds, and shot from a cross-bow. An old French word, 'boson,' also occurs, which appears to mean the same. Argent, three cross-bows bent, each loaded with a three-headed bird-bolt sable; a chief vert--SEARCHFIELD, Bp. of Bristol, 1619. Argent, three bird-bolts gules, headed and feathered or--BUSSHAM, Lincolnshire. Argent, three bird-bolts in fess gules--BOLTON. Argent, three bird-bolts in pile gules--BOUZUN. Argent, three bird-bolts gules, headed or, and feathered of the first--BOWMAN, Norfolk. Or, three bird-bolts gules, nooked and pointed of the first; a label gules--BEARUM.

Sire Peres BOSOUN de argent a iij bosons de gules--Roll, temp. Hen. III. A broad arrow differs somewhat, perhaps, from the above in the head, and resembles a pheon(q.v.), except in the omission of the jagged edge on the inside of the barbs. By the term broad arrow, the head alone is meant. The bolt and the quarrel were shorter arrows, used with the cross-bow . Argent, three broad arrows azure--HALES, Stafford. Gules, a broad arrow between two wings argent--ZINGELL. Argent, three bolts in pale gules--BOLTSHAM, Devon. Gules, three quarrels argent--BAGGSHAM. Arrows are also borne by the families of ARCHARD, HYAM, ZINGEL, TINGEWICK, FLOYER, FORSTER, and many others. Sable, a chevron or, between three stag's attires fixed to the scalps argent--COCKS(Viscount Eastnor and Earl Somers). Sable, a stag lodged regardant, and between the attires a bird or--NORTOST, Norfolk.

Argent, a chevron between three stag's attires fixed to the scalps azure--COCKS. Argent, a hart statant azure, attired or--HARTINGTON. Auger , or wimble: a tool for boring. Gules, three augers argent, handles or--BUNGALL. Ermine, a pile gules, charged with a lion passant gardant in chief or, and a wimble in base proper; a fesse chequy azure and of the third; thereon two escalops sable--WIMBLE, Lewes. Augmentations : additional charges to the family arms granted to persons by their sovereign as a special mark of honour. Such marks frequently consist of portions of the royal arms, as lions , or roses , that flower being one of the royal badges. Richard II. is the first English sovereign who is recorded to have granted augmentations of arms to his subjects. Having added the legendary arms of S.Edward the Confessor(i.e.

azure, a cross patonce between five martlets or) to his own, he granted the same in 1394 to Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, to be impaled by him in the same manner. One of the charges brought against this nobleman's descendant, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, in the reign of Henry VIII., was the bearing of this augmentation, which, it was alleged, implied a claim to the crown. King Richard also gave the same arms, with a bordure ermine, to Thomas Holland, Duke of Surrey, and Earl of Kent. The augmentation of arms granted by K. Henry VIII. to Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, for this victory over the Scots at Bramston, or Flodden-Field, where James IV., king of Scotland, fell(Sep. 9, 1513), is an escutcheon or, charged with a demi lion rampant, pierced through the mouth with an arrow, within a double tressure flory counter-flory gules. It will be observed that this augmentation bears a considerable resemblance to the arms of the vanquished king. K.

Henry granted an augmentation to the family of SEYMOUR, upon his marriage with his third queen, Jane, in 1536. It is 'or, upon a pile gules, between six fleur-de-lis azure, three lions passant gardant in pale or,' and is generally borne quarterly with their paternal coat, in the first and fourth quarters. Another of Henry's grants was to Richard Gresham, mayor and alderman of London, whose arms were argent, a chevron ermine between three mullets sable pierced of the first. To these were added, on a chief gules a pelican close between two lion's gambs, erased or, armed argent. Sir Stephen Fox, who faithfully served K. Charles II. during his exile in France, was very appropriately rewarded with a canton azure, charged with a fleur-de-lis or, being a portion of the insignia of that kingdom. Anciently the chief, the quarter, the canton, the gyron, the pile, flasques, and the inescutcheon, were chosen to receive the augmentations of honour. In modern times the chief and canton have been generally used.

Many of the augmentations granted for naval and military services about the commencement of the present century are so absurdly confused, that all the terms of heraldry cannot intelligibly describe them. Indeed they sometimes rather resemble sea views and landscapes than armorial bearings. Foreign sovereigns have occasionally granted augmentations to British subjects. In 1627 Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, knighted Sir Henry Saint George(who was sent to him with the Garter), and gave him the arms of SWEDEN(azure, three crowns or) to be borne in an inescutcheon; and the king of Prussia, and the Prince of Orange, conferred certain augmentations of arms upon the Earl of Malmesbury, which K. George III. gave him permission to assume in 1789. PAYLER. From the nature of the usual method of exhibiting the augmentation on the coat of arms, the original charge is frequently debruised(as it is also by the marks of cadency); hence with the French heralds both are included under the term brisures .

The example of the arms of the family of PAYLER, possibly arising from an augmentation, exhibits this in a remarkable manner, as the central lion is nearly absconded. But the debruising must not be supposed in any way to be a mark of abatement, as it is quite the reverse. Gules, three lions passant gardant in pale argent, over all a bend or charged with three mullets--PAYLER. Auk , (lat. alca): this bird occurs in the following arms, and as in another blazoning of the same arms the term murr occurs instead of auk , we may presume that it is synonymous. The name Razor-bill (alca torda) also occurs on one coats of arms. Or, a chevron sable between three auks(or murrs) proper--CARTHEU, Cornwall. Or, the head of an auk proper--AUKES. Argent, three razor-bill's heads, couped sable--BRUNSTAUGH. 1. The common axe or hatchet, is usually represented as shewn in the margin. In the arms of the TURNERS' Company it is represented somewhat differently. Gules, three axes argent--AXALL.

Azure, three axes argent, handles or--AXTELL, Devon. 2. Adz or Addice: this has the blade set transversely to the flattened handle, and is sometimes called the carpenter's axe . Argent, three addices azure, handles or--ADDICE. Azure, three carpenter's axes argent--WRIGHT, Scotland. Gules, a chevron between three carpenter's axes or, hafted argent--PENFOLD. Bricklayer's axe. 3. Brick, or Bricklayer's-axe: a charge in the armorial insignia of the Company of BRICKLAYERS and TILERS, of London. The metal portion only of the axe in exhibited, and this is made broad with the sides hollowed, as shewn in the margin. Azure, a chevron or; in chief a fleur-de-lys argent enters[i.e. between] two brick axes palewise of the second; in base a bundle of laths of the last--BRICKLAYERS' Company, incorp. 1508. Chipping-axe. 4.

Chipping-axe: this occurs in the arms of the London Company of MARBLERS(afterwards united to the MASONS), and is the axe which is still used by quarrymen in chipping the stones before they leave the quarry. Gules, a chevron argent between in chief two chipping-axes of the last and in base a mallet or--Company of MARBLERS. Slaughter-axe. 5. The Slaughter-axe. The axe used by butchers for killing animals. Such an axe occurs in the arms of the BUTCHERS' Company. Azure, two slaughter-axes addorsed in saltire argent, handles or between three bull's heads couped as the second armed of the third, viz. two in fess and one in base, on a chief silver a boar's head couped gules, between two block brushes (i.e. bunches of knee holly or butcher's broom) vert--COMPANY OF BUTCHERS, London and Exeter. 7. Battle-axe(fr. hache d'armes), is variously represented. The common form is given in the margin, and it is found very frequently employed as a crest .

Azure, a battle-axe or, headed argent, the edge to the sinister--HEYNGESTON. Argent, a battle-axe, head downwards, held by a lion rampant guardant proper, within a border azure--CRACKNELL, Devon. Azure, three battle-axes or, staves argent--BAINBRIDGE. Azure, a battle-axe in pale or, headed argent--OLDMIXON, Somerset. 8. The Broad-axe seems to be so called only from the breadth of the blade differing in no other respect from other axes. Sable, three broad axes argent--Sir John PORTER. Gules, three broad axes argent, a demi fleur-de-lis joined to each handle with inside or, between as many pierced mullets of the last--Thomas TREGOLD. Danish axe. 9. The Danish axe was probably so called because it occurred in the royal arms of that kingdom, in which it is drawn like a Lochabar axe , but some apply the named to an axe whose blade is notched at the back. There is a form without the notch borne by HAKELUT, and called a Danish hatchet .

The Indian tomahawk occurs in the arms of HOPKINS, granted 1764. Sire Walter HAKELUT, de goules, a iij haches daneys de or, e une daunce de argent--Roll, temp. EDW. II. Sable, three Danish axes argent--DAYNES, Devon. Gules, five Danish axes palewise in saltire argent--ROGER MACHADO, [Clarenceux King of Arms, temp. Henry VIII.] Gules, a Danish battle-axe argent, held by an arms in armour proper--HINGSTON, Devon. 10. The Lochabar axe has a curved handle and a very broad blade, and represents perhaps a Scotch axe. Gules, a Lochabar axe between three boar's heads erased argent--RANKEN, Scotland. Argent, two Lochabar axes in saltire heads upward, between a cock in chief and a rose in base--MATHESON, Benetsfield. 11. Pole-axe, or Halbert, (fr. haillebarde): the axe with a long pole , often called the halbert or halberd.

It was used by the men at arms in processions and on great occasions for keeping back the crowed. Argent, two halberts in saltire azure--ECCLES, Scotland. Gules, two pole-axes in saltire or, headed argent, between four mullets of the last--PITMAN, Suffolk. Gules, three pole-axes or--Sir Walter HAKELETT, temp. Edward I. Azure, a halbert or, the edge to the sinister, its lance-head argent--HEYNGESTON. Ermine, two halberts in saltire sable--MAGDESTON, Lincoln. Heraldic Colours (or Tinctures) | Patrick Baty – Historical paint consultant Heraldic Colours (or Tinctures) Tinctures One of the main aims of heraldry is to provide easily recognisable symbols and this is achieved by using clear colours and by following strict rules.

However, not all of these are colours in the true sense – some are metals, furs, “stains” and “proper”, hence the more correct use of the word tincture.1 As one might expect with a system of coded symbols the tinctures themselves have meaning attached and one can often begin to read more into the message conveyed by the original bearer of the arms. Over time many of these meanings have changed, but there are still certain themes that can be picked up and I outline below the commonly accepted ones. The principal heraldic tinctures have changed little over the years. These are: Metals Ermine – White covered with black spots Vair – White and blue pattern (A number of variations of both of these furs are found.) What are these Tinctures? The exact colours employed in heraldry are usually left to the heraldic artist, whilst remaining within loose bounds. In 1934 the British Colour Council published a Dictionary of Colour Standards in two volumes, one showing 220 colours presented on pure silk ribbon, named, numbered, and coded, and the other giving the history of each colour, the various names by which each had previously been known and the authority for standardisation.

Amongst these were seven of the above colours, the purpose of which was to provide a guide to selecting appropriate shades. As the British Colour Council developed its services to industry it became apparent that the bias in the dictionary towards colours for textiles made it less relevant as a standard reference work for Interior Decoration. In 1949 it published the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration , which is discussed in another post. Volume 3 of that work listed the colours and provided a brief history of those illustrated in the other two volumes of colour samples. Under the heading Heraldic Colours it provided details which had been supplied by Somerset Herald 2 at the College of Arms . The following page is from Volume 2 of the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration: Sample page from Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration showing Murrey Volume 3 tells us that: “These heraldic terms date from the early thirteenth century, when heraldry became established as a science. The heraldic colour names are mainly of French derivation, or influenced by Latin. The names are still used in heraldry today. It goes on to list the colours and provides examples of most of them: This metal is often represented by yellow.

Gold represents glory, generosity, constancy and elevation of the mind. A version was offered in the Dictionary: Gold (CC 72) Azure Blue from Old French azur. Azure signifies piety, sincerity, loyalty and chastity. This was not illustrated in the 1949 edition, but it appeared as Larkspur (BCC 196) in the Dictionary of Colour Standards of 1934. A recent project of mine saw me researching the heraldic Beasts of King Henry VIII for a recreation of a Tudor garden at Hampton Court Palace . As well as identifying which beasts were relevant, I also had to establish how they were to be painted and where each of the tinctures were to be applied. Jane Seymour’s Heraldic Panther. Tudor Garden, Hampton Court Palace. The heraldic panther resembles a leopard. However, it is silver and covered with spots of blue and red and has flames issuing from its ears and mouth. Jane’s panther, which is collared with a coronet and chained, was the dexter supporter of her arms. A panther had been counted among the number of royal beasts since the time of Henry IV and possibly earlier.

In this example one can see the following heraldic tinctures: Argent; Or; Gules; Azure and Vert. The latter is shown in its sixteenth century form, for at that stage there was only one satisfactory pigment to achieve a green colour in oil paint – Verdigris . Experiments carried out with it show that when first applied the colour is a very blue green and it is this form that has been used here. However, it becomes much yellower with time and exposure. As can be seen below the present green colour used in heraldry tends to be much yellower. Vert This is from the French vert meaning green and, in turn, from the Latin word for green – viridis. Vert is symbolic of joy, youth and beauty and demonstrates loyalty in love. The Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration shows this as Apple Green (CC 98). Apple Green (CC 98) Gules There is a great deal of dispute about the origin of the word. Some say that it derives from the Old French word goules, literally meaning “throats” (related to the English gullet; modern French gueules).

It is also possible that the word may come from the Hebrew gulude, a piece of red cloth, or Arabic gule a red rose or possibly ghül a feeder on carcasses. Gules is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity and has strong military connotations. In the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration it is indicated as Poppy (CC 41) Poppy (CC 41) Purpure The word comes from the Latin purpura, meaning ‘purple’. Purpure suggests justice, temperance and sovereignity. The use of this colour is rare, although ancient examples do exist – for example in the arms of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln in the thirteenth century. The Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration shows it as Prune (CC 305). Prune (CC 305) This emerged in the twentieth century, in response to wartime requirements of the Royal Air Force . No 1 (F) Squadron Royal Air Force – Note Sky Blue Stains Murrey This is the colour of mulberries . The name is believed to come from the Old French moré and is sometimes referred to as Sanguine, the colour of blood.

In the sixteenth century it was used as one of the two livery colours of the House of York . Murrey is meant to indicate patience in adversity. The Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration shows it as Murrey (CC 192). Murrey (CC 192) Tenné This colour is sometimes known as Tawny and is of an orange hue. This colour is meant to signify ambition. It was not illustrated in the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration, but it appeared as Mace (BCC 73) in the 1934 edition. Tenné Tenné also appears on a coloured silk ribbon in the magnificent volume of Traditional British Colours that was produced for the Coronation of His Majesty King George VI in 1937. Another word is often encountered in connection with heraldic colour and that is the term proper, which is used to indicate that something is in its natural colour or shape, for example an animal or plant. The Blazon The blazon is the written description of a coat of arms. At first this might make little sense, but once understood it will be seen to be masterpiece of concision and will enable one to visualise the arms.

For example in the arms at the head of this page the shield is blazoned as follows: “Gules on a Bend cotised Or an Escallop Ermine between two Cross Crosslets fitchy Sable” Translated, this means something like “…on a gold band with a narrower stripe on either side are two black crosses, the ends of whose arms are crossed and the lower limbs pointed. In between these is a scallop shell in ermine. The whole is placed on a red shield.” The crest , which sits on top of the helmet is further blazoned: “On a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Gules An Eagle wings inverted and addorsed Argent gorged with a Collar gemel Gules and holding in the beak a Trefoil slipped Or” This might be translated roughly as “…on a helmet with a twisted roll of red and silver fabric stands a silver eagle whose wings are behind the body and whose wingtips are tucked back. Around its neck is a double red collar and in its beak a stylised golden clover leaf.” I think that one can see immediately that the formal blazon is more succint and less inclined to cause confusion.

Challenge In the above arms over twenty references have been worked in to the design. Most will only be known to the bearer himself, but some will begin to become clear with a little thought. How many of these clues can be picked up? Rules Concerning the Use of Colour For the sake of visual clarity a number of rules were devised concerning the use of colour in heraldry: Never place a metal on a metal – for example a silver on a gold shield. Never place a colour on a colour – for example a red lion on a blue shield. A fur can take the place of a metal or a colour. Note how these rules have been obeyed in the arms featured at the top of this page, where a gold bend has been placed over the red shield and how the superimposed crosses are black and the scallop shell is in ermine rather than silver/white. A Brief Word on Furs In addition to metals and colours heraldry also uses furs . These are really patterns that suggest the costly furs worn by the medieval nobility. The two main ones being ermine and Vair .

Ermine & Vair On the left can be seen the coat of arms of the former Duchy of Brittany described by one of the few known one-word blazons in existence, simply Ermine. On the right, I believe, are the arms of the Counts of Guisnes. Here is a photograph of a real piece of vair – the fur has been made from the back and front of squirrel pelts sewn together. The use of the word vair in this post has prompted a comment about a possible mistranslation / mistranscription in the original story of Cinderella, which has long been a cause of puzzlement. This concerns her glass slippers. The story appeared in Charles Perrault’s Histoires ou contes du temps passé avec des moralités, which was published in 1697.3 It has been suggested that pantoufle de vair (fur slipper) might have been mistaken for pantoufle de verre (glass slipper). Current Availability of Colours As with almost all the colours shown on this site they could be mixed into conventional modern paint by Papers and Paints Ltd .

Notes 1 I have tried to use the word “tincture” when it applies to the full range of colours, metals, furs, ‘stains’ and ‘proper’, while keeping “colour” when it applies to what one might generally consider a colour, but as you see it does get a bit confusing. 2 In 1934 this was Sir George Bellew . He later became Garter King of Arms . 3 Cendrillon ou la petite pantoufle in Perrault’s collection, which in English is known as Stories or Tales of Olden Times with Morals, or also Tales of My Mother Goose. I am grateful to Sarah Waldock for pointing this out and to Mark Liberman for the more detailed explanation. Sources A.C. Fox-Davies. A Complete Guide to Heraldry. Skyhorse Publishing. 2007. Stefan Oliver. Introduction to Heraldry. David & Charles. 2002. Stephen Slater. The Illustrated Book of Heraldry. Hermes House. 2002. Thomas Woodcock and John Martin Robinson. The Oxford Guide to Heraldry. Oxford University Press. 1988.

Gules - definition of gules by The Free Dictionary Gules - definition of gules by The Free Dictionary n. Heraldry The color red, indicated on a blazon by vertical lines. [Middle English goules, from Old French, red fur neckpiece, pl. of gole, throat, from Latin gula.] gules adj, n (usually postpositive) (Heraldry) heraldry red [C14: from Old French gueules red fur worn around the neck, from gole throat, from Latin gula gullet] gules n. the heraldic color red. [1300–50; Middle English goules < Old French gueules red fur neckpiece, derivative of gole throat < Latin gula] Translations Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: semé References in classic literature ?

On the scutcheon we'll have a bend OR in the dexter base, a saltire MURREY in the fess, with a dog, couchant, for common charge, and under his foot a chain embattled, for slavery, with a chevron VERT in a chief engrailed, and three invected lines on a field AZURE, with the nombril points rampant on a dancette indented; crest, a runaway nigger, SABLE, with his bundle over his shoulder on a bar sinister; and a couple of gules for supporters, which is you and me; motto, MAGGIORE FRETTA, MINORE OTTO. View in context After 1802, the chevalier sealed his letters with a very old seal, ill-engraved to be sure, by which the Casterans, the d'Esgrignons, the Troisvilles were enabled to see that he bore: Party of France, two cottises gemelled gules, and gules, five mascles or, placed end to end; on a chief sable, a cross argent.

View in context de Treville had served him so faithfully in his wars against the league that in default of money--a thing to which the Bearnais was accustomed all his life, and who constantly paid his debts with that of which he never stood in need of borrowing, that is to say, with ready wit--in default of money, we repeat, he authorized him, after the reduction of Paris, to assume for his arms a golden lion passant upon gules, with the motto Fidelis et fortis. View in context The next day, the great Southdown female family carriage, with the Earl's coronet and the lozenge (upon which the three lambs trottant argent upon the field vert of the Southdowns, were quartered with sable on a bend or, three snuff-mulls gules, the cognizance of the house of Binkie), drove up in state to Miss Crawley's door, and the tall serious footman handed in to Mr.

View in context At this point a good omen appears (and therefore must be interpreted), another metamorphosis wrought by supernatural power: Rilian discovers that his once-black shield has "turned bright as silver" and now is blazoned with "the figure of the Lion" gules on a field argent. Heraldic Dictionary - Metals, Colors & Furs ND Home > ND Libraries > Spec. Coll. > Digital > Heraldry > Blazoning > Tincture Tincture is considered to encompass colors, metals and furs. In colored displays of arms, tincture is fairly self-evident. However, in black and white representations of arms (such as most bookplates), the tincture of the various aspects must be represented through hatching (i.e., patterns of lines and dots). These hatching patterns are shown below. Metals : or (gold), argent (silver) Colors : gules (red), azure (blue), sable (black), vert (green), purpure (purple), tenné (orange), sanguine (blood red) Furs : ermine, vair, potent Of the various tinctures, the fur vair requires some additional description.

Vair is traditionally argent and azure (i.e., silver and blue). If no colors are mentioned in the blazoning, it is assumed to be done with those traditional tinctures. When the pattern appears in other tinctures, it is said to be vairy. For example, if the patterns shown are dots and vertical stripes, the object so drawn is blazoned vairy or and gules. It is traditional in heraldry that the design should always be such that color is not laid upon color, nor metal upon metal. While this rule is not universally adhered to, it is generally the case that a shield will have either metal charges upon a colored background, or colored charges upon a metal background.

Question: Gules is which colour in heraldry?
Answer: Red