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Douglas Heraldry

 

 

 

 

 

Archibald Douglas 'Bell the Cat', 5th Earl of Angus Frieze of Famous Scots, 1898 Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh		The History of Arms   The origin of the Coat of Arms was a jacket or tabard worn by a mediaeval Knight over his armour in order to identify himself. Nowadays the expression "Coat of Arms" is generally applied to what is officially called an "Achievement", which consists of various parts: a shield, helmet, mantling, wreath, crest, motto and sometimes supporters and decorations. There is a widespread misconception that a family or a clan can have a family or clan Coat of Arms. Many heraldic and clan web sites and other media suggest that a person has the right to use the family or clan Arms. This is completely incorrect. A Coat of Arms belongs only to one individual person and can only be used by that person and no one else. In order for a person to be able to use a Coat of Arms it is necessary for that individual person to apply for a personal Coat of Arms to be granted to him or her. What is permitted is for a member of a clan to use the clan crest . Usually what is referred to as the clan Coat of Arms is in fact the personal Arms of the chief of the clan which can only be used by the chief.   Clan Badges are a symbol of kinship with a Highland Clan or a Scottish Family. In the past chiefs gave their followers a metal plate of their crest to wear as a badge. This badge was fixed to the Clansman’s clothing by a belt and buckle and when not in use the belt and buckle were coiled round the crest badge. Today, the representation of the metal plate crest badge takes the form of the chiefs’ crest encircled by a belt and buckle with the chief’s motto on the belt. This is the only form in which a clansman is permitted to display his chief’s crest and its use indicates that the wearer is a kinsman or follower of the chief whose crest is thus shown. Only the chief and his heir wear the crest without the strap and buckle.
Heraldry Contents   Heraldry - Home Crests - people Crests - places Crests - objects Crests - organisations Hatchments Wall carving   The Douglas heart Seals Flags and banners Mottoes   Bookplates Cigarette cards Model figures Postcards Stamp impressions Stained glass		This is the pipe banner carried by Major William Douglas's company piper whilst he served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. It depicts his personal crest and motto. Details of this Sir James Douglas chess piece, can be found in our models article.

 

 

 

 

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