This Heraldry Glossary explains the most important terms of heraldry in a clear and accessible way, while remaining faithful to classical rules. It is aimed at everyone interested in family coats of arms, noble arms, municipal arms and fraternity arms – whether you already have a crest or are just getting started.

The explanations are written for readers without specialist training in heraldry, but they follow the principles of classical European heraldry. They do not replace scientific literature, but provide a solid foundation for understanding coats of arms and heraldry.

→ Coat of Arms Info

What is heraldry?

Heraldry is the study of coats of arms. It deals with the origin, structure, design, description (blazon) and history of arms. Originally, heraldry helped to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and at tournaments. Today it plays an important role in family history, local history, genealogy and art history.

Structure of a classical coat of arms

A full heraldic achievement consists of several elements that form a unified composition. Depending on period, region and type of arms, some elements may be added or omitted, but the main parts are:

• Shield: the central part of the arms, carrying the tinctures, divisions, ordinaries and charges.
• Tinctures: the heraldic colors – metals, colors and furs.
• Ordinaries and divisions: geometric patterns and ways of dividing the shield (e.g. per fess, per pale, quarterly, bend, cross).
• Charges: animals, plants, objects, mythical creatures and symbols placed on the shield.
• Helmet: above the shield, varying in form according to rank and period.
• Torse and crest: the twisted band above the helmet and the crest itself (e.g. feathers, wings, animals).
• Mantling: the cloth-like drapery around the helmet, usually in the main tinctures of the shield.
• Supporters: figures standing beside the shield, often in grand or state arms.
• Crown or coronet: indicates rank (e.g. noble coronet, mural crown).
• Motto scroll: a motto or devise on a scroll below or above the arms.

Basic heraldic terms – in brief

Tinctures: Heraldry distinguishes metals (gold = Or, silver = Argent), colors (red = Gules, blue = Azure, black = Sable, green = Vert, purple = Purpure), and furs (such as ermine and vair). A central rule is: no color on color, no metal on metal.

Ordinaries: simple geometric shapes such as fess, pale, cross, saltire, bend and similar elements that structure the field. In a blazon, ordinaries and divisions are mentioned first.

Divisions: ways of dividing the shield into fields, for example: per fess (horizontally), per pale (vertically), quarterly, per bend, and combinations of these.

Charges: all non-geometric figures – animals (lions, eagles, bears), plants (roses, oak leaves), objects (keys, swords, wheels), buildings (castles, towers) and many more. Charges often have symbolic meanings.

Blazon: the precise description of a coat of arms in heraldic language. A correct blazon should allow a heraldic artist to draw the arms without seeing the original illustration.

Types of coats of arms – who uses arms?

Over the centuries, different types of arms have developed, each associated with certain bearers:

• Noble arms: arms of the historical nobility, often with coronet, crest and supporters.
• Family or civic arms: arms of non-noble families, frequently registered in armorials.
• Municipal arms: arms of towns, municipalities and regions.
• Ecclesiastical arms: arms of dioceses, religious orders and church dignitaries.
• Corporate and fraternity arms: arms of guilds, trades, fraternities and student corporations.
• Official and military arms: arms of state bodies, regiments or special units.

How a new coat of arms is created

The design of a new coat of arms should always respect heraldic rules and avoid confusion with existing arms. In practice, the process often follows these steps:

• 1. Concept and symbolism: Which ideas, origins, professions or values should the arms express?
• 2. Design: A heraldic artist develops a clear design with proper tinctures, divisions and charges.
• 3. Blazon: The arms are described in correct heraldic language.
• 4. Checking and registration: Comparison with existing arms; registration in an armorial may be advisable.
• 5. Execution: The arms are executed as a drawing, painting, seal or as a hand-carved wooden coat of arms.

Legal aspects and protection of coats of arms

In many countries, the use of a coat of arms is generally permitted, but a new design should be distinctive and must not deliberately imitate someone else’s arms.

Unauthorized use of another person’s arms may infringe name or trademark rights. For this reason, it is wise to have a new coat of arms checked by a heraldic expert and, if appropriate, registered in a recognized armorial. Binding legal advice, however, can only be given by a qualified legal professional.

Literature and sources on heraldry

Anyone wishing to study heraldry in more depth will find extensive information in heraldic literature and associations, for example:

• Historical armorials and collections of arms
• Modern armorial registers and rolls of arms
• Specialist books on German and European heraldry
• Heraldic and genealogical societies

Questions about heraldry or a hand-carved coat of arms?

If you have questions about designing a coat of arms or would like to commission a hand-carved wooden coat of arms, simply send me an email with a few details about the motif, size and intended location.

back to top

Inquiry to:

Master woodcarver Manfred Gerlach

back to top