Blazoning a Coat-of-Arms

1.

Begin by giving the color of the field (i.e., background) of the shield. When a coat-of-arms or armorial is represented in black and white, the tinctures (i.e., colors) are indicated by various patterns (see Metals, Colors, and Furs).

Or on a fess between two chevrons sable three crosses-crosslet argent, a molet for difference.

If the field is divided into more than one color, describe first the partition of the field (i.e, how the field is divided — see Methods of Partition) and second the color of each section. Begin with the most important section of the shield, which is always the top and/or viewer's left section:

• If the shield is parted per fess (i.e., divided in half horizontally), the upper half or upper armorial is the more important of the two.

• If the shield is parted per pale (i.e., divided in two vertically), the left half or left armorial is the more important of the two.

• If the shield is quartered (i.e., divided both horizontally and vertically), the upper left quadrant is the most important one. (For more information on each of these three types of divisions, see Marshalling of Arms.)

If the field is semé (i.e., strewn with) anything, this should be indicated now (see Semé Patterns).

2.

After the field's color has been blazoned, the next aspect to address is how any charges (i.e. the objects or ordinaries on the field — see Heraldic Charges) found on the field. If there is more than one object at the center of the shield, state the number and position of the objects (see Positioning of Charges).

Or on a fess between two chevrons sable three crosses-crosslet argent, a molet for difference.

3.

List any secondary charges which surround the main object, including their color and position on the shield.

• Note that if the main object and the secondary objects are of the same color, the color is stated only after the secondary objects.

Or on a fess between two chevrons sable three crosses-crosslet argent, a molet for difference.

4.

List any objects which rest on the objects described in steps 2 and 3.

Or on a fess between two chevrons sable three crosses-crosslet argent, a molet for difference.

5.

If there is a chief, a bordure, a quarter, a canton, or an escutcheon of pretense (see Ordinaries (Page 1) for chief or bordure, Ordinaries (Page 3) for quater, canton or escutcheon), indicate that now along with the item's color and any divisions which occur within it.

• Any of these items can be divided and bear charges in the same manner as the main portion of the shield, and should be described as outlined in steps 1 through 4.

6.

List any marks of cadency which are present (see Cadency Marks).

Or on a fess between two chevrons sable three crosses-crosslet argent, a molet for difference.