Coats of Arms

The use of symbols of identification, or insignia, is common in primitive societies, where all or most of the population is illiterate. As ancient tribes developed defensive armor, when engaged in warfare, the practice of placing identifying marks or symbols on their armor became customary. This defensive armor or covering was sometimes made of wood, leather, and later metal. There is evidence that the Vikings used a galley in full sail as an emblem, and many of the Scottish clans, or tribes, used the device of the lion. The horse was a symbol found among both the Anglo-Saxons and the Saxons of Germany, whereas the eagle, which is associated with Charlemagne, became a widespread symbol in Germany. In the days of William the Conqueror, men of war were clothed from head to toe in armor made of plate or steel rings. In time, the knights and chiefs had devices on their shields which represented their prowess and were significant of their family names or places of residence. These devices or symbols served as an ensign that could be seen in battle and were well known by their followers. Sometimes surcoats made of leather or cloth were worn over their armor to protect the wearer from the sun. The devices that had been painted on the shields were reproduced on the surcoats or overgarment. Thus the term cote armure or coat-of-arms came into being.

In medieval Europe, the roots of which predate AD 1000, such emblematic identification became a highly complicated science known as heraldry. Heraldry is science or art of recording coats-of-arms information, and dates from the beginning of the 12th century when coats of arms began to appear and were adopted rapidly throughout Western Europe. These symbols were developed because of the military necessity of identifying armor-clad warriors, whose faces were covered by helmets. Because of the Crusades, in which men of many nationalities were involved, the idea of heraldic identification spread readily among the nobility of Western Europe. Because the majority of the nobles could not write, their coats of arms were soon incorporated into the design of the wax seals with which they stamped letters and documents. Within a short time coats of arms were adopted for identification or recognition by clerics, lawyers, and the heads of corporations such as colleges, merchant companies, and towns. Heraldry became systematized early in its history and developed a specialized vocabulary called blazon to describe the devices used. In the British Isles the vocabulary of blazon was derived from Norman French with much borrowing from other languages. The shield is a principal element in the coat of arms.

As time passed the armorial bearings began to include elements other than the shield. Helmets took varying shapes to indicate the rank of the warrior, and at the beginning of the 14th century English knights began to wear distinctive crests on their helmets. Although originally restricted to knights of tournament rank, crests soon became widespread and, in most heraldic jurisdictions, were granted with coats of arms. Originally these crests were borne directly on the helmet, but distinctions emerged. The crests of knights were borne on wreaths of the livery colors; magnates often had a crest coronet; and some (in Scotland, feudal barons) had their crests on a chapeau. The helmet and crest were placed above the coat of arms in the complete grouping of elements, called the armorial achievement.

Other elements added over the centuries were mottoes, placed below and above the arms and crest; a compartment, some form of ground placed below the shield (in Scotland and France it had special significance); and supporters, usually in animal or human form, which flanked the shield and stood on the compartment. At an early date arms were also placed on flags.

Officers of arms (Heraldic Authorities) became necessary to control heraldry, to see that arms were not duplicated or wrongfully assumed. These officers were called heralds and pursuivants. They supervised the medieval tournaments (displays of knightly combat) and the actual mustering of knights in war, for which they drew up the rolls of arms. The heralds were eventually placed under national armorial administrations, some of which still exist. Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, Kenya, and New Zealand are among the monarchies and republics that have heraldic offices. The most famous such institutions are the English College of Arms and the Scottish Court of the Lord Lyon, where arms and pedigrees are recorded and new arms given to individuals and corporations. In addition, the Scottish Lord Lyon King of Arms retains judicial functions, adjudicating on the rights to use arms and titles.

The United States has no such laws covering who can or can not use or display coats of arms. We do, however, have copyright and design patent laws covering the use and display of registered Trademarks, Servicemarks, and Logos (emblems, symbols, and icons).

Excerpted from Some More Riddles of North Carolina by Richard L. Riddle, 1994

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E-Mail: Jim Hartung