An Introduction to Heraldry in the Middle Ages
by Otis Norman Crandell

 

Table of Contents

 

INTRODUCTION
    Definition of "heraldry"
    Focus of this Article 
    Origins
    The Shape of the Shield

BLAZON
    Origins and Explanation
    COLOURING (Tincture)
        Metals
        Colours
        Furs
        The Rule of Tincture.
    PARTED FIELDS
        Partitions
        Lines of Partition

CHARGES
    Shield points
    ORDINARIES
        Examples
        Cottices
    SUBORDINARIES
        Examples
    CHARGES IN A SHAPE
        Examples
        Charges in a Pattern and Semee
    COMMON CHARGES
        Quadrupeds 
        Winged Animals 
        Swimming Animals 
        Plants 
        Other Objects 
    Postures of Common Charges (Attitudes)
        Quadrupeds
        Winged Animals
        Swimming Animals
        Others
        Multiple Charges
        Parts
    FURTHER NOTES ON TINCTURES
        Counter-Changed
        Proper
        Fimbriation
        Voiding

ORGANISATION OF A BLAZON
    Order for Blazoning
    Order of Details for Describing a Charge or Group of Charges
    Layering Fields and Charges
    Examples of Complete Coats of Arms and Their Blazons

ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMS
    Origins and Explanation

IN CONCLUSION

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