THE HELMET

The helmet in modern practices is of simple design and generally avoids ostentatious artistry. The specific size is a matter of personal choice. However, it usually bears a resemblance to the style of the period of the shield issue. It is customary to unify the shield and helmet by having the breastplate of the armor slightly overlap the top of the shield. The helmet of the gentleman or squire is in profile and faces dexter, with visor closed. The mantle or scrollworK emanates from the helmet and falls about the shield.

THE MANTLE

Mantle or scrollwork about the shield was adopted from the cloak worn by the knight. It is purely decorative and its absence is immaterial. Early arms depict the cloak quite accurately, with the outer surface reflecting the predominant color of the arms and its inner lining indicating the predominant metal.

The swirls and twists, originally indicative of the torn mantle and slashes incurred in battles, have been changed through the centuries to a vine-like effect. At times it has degenerated even further into a mass of curlicues.

Here is a listing of the principal tinctures (i.e. metals or colors) employed in heraldry. It should be explained that where the true color does not appear on the printed page, we have substituted the standard color code symbol used by engravers.

TINCTURES IN HERALDRY

OR Is gold in heraldry, and originates from the precious metal, attributing stJrpassing valor to the bearer. From liturgical symbolism, gold has acquired the attributes of celestial light, joy, and honor.

ARGENT Is silver in blazonry. It is taken from the metal, and denotes nobility, serenity, and peace. Silver has also been associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because it withstands the test of fire.

AZURE This tincture is blue, and is representative of loyalty, fidelity, and truth. Since ancient times, when brides wore a blue ribbon, the color has been associated with purity and love.

GULES Is the heraldic tincture for red, and represents fire. In military application, this color signifies fortitude. Often the symbolism of the color gules is dependent on the shade, but in general it denotes valor, patriotism, and creative power.

VERT In blazonry, this color is green, and is significant of flourishing youth and strength. Because green is the predominant tincture in nature, it is regarded as the universal color, and is thus ind.icative of hope and regeneration.

PURPURE From the Bible, this color - purple - has been a distinguishing mark of kings and all royalty, indicative of justice and majesty.

SABLE This color - black - comes from the fur of an animal, and is associated with night and repentance. The quality of serenity is attributed to the tincture sable from scriptural sources.

ERMINE This tincture originates from the regal fur, ermine, and is composed of a white background with black spots. The fur signifies royalty and aristocracy. The animal itself symbolizes purity, from the legend that it preferred death to defilement.

PARTITION LINES

Any line that divides the face of a shield into separate areas and tinctures is a partition line. Originally these lines were straight or smooth and followed the natural configuration of the division. In time they developed special or fanciful forms.