Coat of Arms
What is a “Coat of Arms”?
The “Coat of Arms” is the surcoat which is made of linen, and is worn over the knight’s armour to protect it from direct sunlight. This particular garment was decorated on the front and also the back with the family coat of arms, as it appeared on the shield.
The coat of arms while appearing very complicated to most people, is actually only made up of about six parts and some sub-parts which I shall outline for you.
The “Coat of Arms” make up.
The Shield.
This is literally the heart of the Coat of Arms and everything else is built or located around it, without the shield there is absolutely nothing. It can be constructed in a variety of shapes, sometimes with a piece taken out of the dexter side ( which is the left side) to allow for the movement of the lance or sword, but the most familiar one that we see used is the heart shaped. The shield can be shown upright or in a slant position just right below the helmet. In medieval times the shield would be hung from a peg and would have ended up in a slant position which is the position most official heraldic artist use to paint it. The size of the shield varies but it is normally about four to six times that of the crest. The surface of the shield is called the field, and the figures on the shield are called the charges. Most shields are painted and this is called emblazing the shield.
The Helmet.The helmet is placed directly on top of the shield with the wreath in between and there are various types. The most popular are the royal helmet, the peer’s helmet, the baronet’s helmet, the knight’s helmet, and the esquires or gentlemen’s helmet.
The helmets were constructed with visors or grills so the wearer could actually see his adversary or foe hence giving him the ability to fight. When the helmet is profiled on the coat of arms, it is usually turned to the dexter side.
The Mantling.The mantling can also be referred to as the lambrequin, and this is a cloth cape worn from the back of the helmet to give protection from the hot rays of the sun. The colours of the mantling is usually the same colour as the shield on the outside, and the inside colour is the same colour as the metal used on the armour, yellow representing gold and silver representing silver metal.During the fights the mantling would become tattered, and on the knights return this proved that he had been on a crusade and he would be proud of his tattered mantle.
The Wreath.The wreath mostly was a circle of silk but mostly it is depicted as a bound rope something like a barber’s pole. I was worn by the knight around his neck possibly
To separate the helmet from the main body armour and to offer some comfort to the wearer.
The Crest.Something very important to know is that a person can’t have a crest if they don’t have a coat of arms. The crest is part of the heraldic coat of arms, and cannot exist without the rest. The crest is actually worn on top of the helmet, and in most displays it is shown in that position.
The Motto.In England the motto does not form any part of the coat of arms and indeed anyone can use one. In Scotland it is part of the armorial bearings, it is placed below the shield or above the crest.
Many of the mottos were in Latin and still are to-day.
Example:
Latin: (“Dum Spiro Spero”) translated to English is (“While I breathe, I hope”.)
How much does a “Coat of Arms” cost?
A good quality coat of arms embroidered or painted will not cost a fortune; check on the links below for further details.
Where can a “Coat of Arms” be purchased.
The easiest place to find a coat of arms is in one of the online shops like Society Gifts.
About the Author
Daniel A. Gilligan is a freelance author and writes on topics like Military Rings and Deployments and Coats of Arms and Heraldry for more information see http://www.societygifts.com
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COAT OF ARMS FENNELL FAMILY ANTIQUE HISTORICAL ENGRAVED BRASS PLAQUE BOOK PLATE $250.00 |
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100 Family Crest Coat of Arms Key Chain Pkg Deal $199.99 |
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Hand Painted Custom Family Crest Plaques – Coat of Arms Paintings $180.00 |
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20 Family Crest Coat of Arms 8×10 Matted Print Pkg Deal $175.00 |
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Vintage Matching FAMILY CREST COAT OF ARMS FRAMED LEATHER JACKET Zeiner German $170.00 |
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SWEET Family coat of arms Crest Genealogy BRONZE enamel $104.99 |
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10 Family Crest Coat of Arms 8×10 Matted Print Pkg Deal $99.99 |
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100 Family Crest Coat of Arms Family Reunion Invites $99.99 |
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50 Family Crest Coat of Arms Key Chain Pkg Deal $99.99 |
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YOUR FAMILY NAME Surname Crest Shield on Handpainted Coat of Arms Wooden Plaque $99.00 |
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Customized Handpainted Coat of Arms Your Family Crest Name Wooden Plaque $97.50 |
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Hancrafted coat of arms/family crest plaques $80.00 |
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50 Family Crest Coat of Arms Family Reunion Invites $54.99 |
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5 Family Crest Coat of Arms 8×10 Matted Print Pkg Deal $49.99 |
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20 Family Crest Coat of Arms Key Chain Pkg Deal $39.99 |
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Macleay Clan Crest / Clan Badge 22 oz. Stein Mug $22.99 Macleay Clan Badge Stein / Scottich Clan Crest 22 oz. Black Forest, heavy duty Mug / Stein… |
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Kilroy Family Crest Stein / Coat of Arms beer mug $22.99 Kilroy Coat of Arms stein / Family Crest beer mug . Your family shield is printed on a high quality 7 inch, 22 oz. ceramic german beer mug / tankard…. |
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H M Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Coat Of Arms 1952-2012 Tea Bag Tidy / Spoon Rest $7.95 Jubilee Coat of Arms Tea Bag Tidy / Spoon Rest… |
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Bebout family crest decal $4.99 Size: 5″ x 4.8″. For additional sizes, please email for a price quote…. |
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Personalized Family Seat Irish Coat of Arms Toilet Seat Cover ###############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################… |
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