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Page 13
It would be utterly impossible to give either a graphic or written
description of all the charges in a book of this size or even in one
ten times as large. The sun, moon, stars, comets, meteors, &c.,
have been introduced to denote glory, grandeur, power, &c.; lions,
leopards, tigers, serpents, stags, have been employed to signify
courage, strength, prudence, swiftness, &c.
The application to certain exercises, such as war, hunting, music,
fishing, &c., has furnished lances, swords, armour, musical
instruments, architecture, columns, chevrons, builders' tools, &c.
Human bodies, or distinct parts of them, are frequently used as
charges. Trees, plants, fruits, and flowers have also been admitted
to denote the rarities, advantages, and singularities of different
countries.
The relation of some creatures, figures, &c. to particular names
has been a fruitful source for variety of arms. Thus, the family of
Coningsby bears three conies; of Arundel, six swallows; of Corbet, a
raven; of Urson, a bear; of Camel, a camel; of Starky, a stork; of
Castleman, a castle triple-towered; of Shuttleworth, three
weaver's shuttles. Hundreds of other names might be given, but the
before-mentioned will be sufficient to show the reader the origin of
many singular charges in coats of arms.
Not only were natural and artificial figures used, but the lack of
information on Zoology and other branches of Natural History led to
the introduction of fabulous animals, such as dragons, griffins,
harpies, wiverns, &c. A great number of charges, indeed most of them
that require explanation, will be found in the Dictionary of Heraldic
Terms, which will prevent the necessity of describing them more at
large in this part of the book.
THE EXTERNAL ORNAMENTS OF ESCUTCHEONS.
The ornaments that accompany or surround escutcheons were introduced
to denote the birth, dignity, or office of the person to whom the coat
of arms belongs. We shall merely give the names of the various objects
in this place, and refer the reader to the different words in the
Dictionary. Over regal escutcheons are placed the crown which pertains
to the nation over which the sovereign presides. The crown is
generally surmounted with a crest: as in the arms of the kings of
England, the crown is surmounted by a lion statant, guardant, crowned.
Over the Papal arms is placed a tiara or triple crown, without a
crest.
Above the arms of archbishops and bishops the mitre is placed instead
of a crest.
_Coronets_ are worn by all princes and peers. They vary in form
according to the rank of the nobleman. A full description will be
found in the Dictionary of the coronets of the prince of Wales, royal
dukes, dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons.
_Helmets_ are placed over arms, and show the rank of the person to
whom the arms belong: 1st, by the metal of which they are made; 2dly,
by their form; 3dly, by their position. See the word HELMET in the
Dictionary.
_Mantlings_ were the ancient coverings of helmets to preserve them and
the bearers from the injuries of the weather. It is probable that they
were highly ornamented with scroll-work of gold and silver, and their
borders or edges cast into fanciful shapes. They are now formed into
scroll-work proceeding from the sides of the helmet, and are great
ornaments to an escutcheon. See a more full description under the word
MANTLING.
CHAPEAUX.
A _chapeau_ is an ancient hat or rather cap of dignity worn by dukes.
They were formed of scarlet velvet and turned up with fur. They are
frequently used instead of a wreath under the crests of noblemen and
even gentlemen.
The wreath was formed by two large skeins of silk of different colours
twisted together. This was worn at the lower part of the crest, not
alone as an ornament, but to protect the head from the blow of a mace
or sword. In Heraldry the wreath appears like a straight line or roll
of two colours generally the same as the tinctures of the shield. The
crest is usually placed upon the wreath.
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