How to read a Coat of Arms
using the Arms of Martin Goldstraw as an example.
The
“Blazon” (heraldic description) of the Arms is;
Argent,
on
a chevron between three swords erect Gules,
three quills erect Argent
.
[It
would
also be correct to use the blazon:
“
Argent, on a chevron between
three swords erect Gules, three quills erect of
the first
”. This avoids using the word
“Argent” twice.]
Let us now deal
with the
CREST
- remember what we said earlier - this is
the device that sits on top of the helmet. It is
NOT the shield.
The Goldstraw Crest is described (blazoned)
thus:
On a Helm with a
Wreath Argent and Gules A Goose Argent beaked
Or resting its dexter foot against an Oak Tree
Gules fructed Or.
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A Goose
Argent beaked Or resting its dexter
foot against an Oak Tree Gules fructed
Or.
|
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Putting
it all together we get the full
achievement:
Arms:
Argent, on
a chevron between three swords erect
Gules, three quills erect Argent
.
Crest:
On a Helm with a Wreath
Argent and Gules A Goose Argent beaked
Or resting its dexter foot against an
Oak Tree Gules fructed Or.
Motto:
Ab Inito Goostrey
[The arms illustrated are from
the Scottish matriculation of Arms and
differ from an English grant in that
the motto is above the crest]
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