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Explanation of the POTTS Arms

COATS OF ARMS were originally designed as a way of identifying knights in armour who, without their distinctive shields and surcoats, would have all looked alike on the battlefield or tournament ground.

Originally each knight probably chose or invented his own Coat of Arms, often proclaiming his own strength and bravery by depicting fierce creatures. Later, the right to bear the Arms became hereditary.

During the 13th century, the appearance of a new knight at a tournament would be greeted by a Herald sounding a trumpet. The Herald would explain the devices and symbols on the competing knights' shields and coat armour to the assembled audience, and this knowledge has become known as 'heraldry'.

THE HELM - The shape has varied in different ages and countries, and much artistic licence is used.

THE WREATH (or Torse) - Traditionally made from two pieces of silk twisted together, some say by the knight's lady, to form six twists.

THE CREST - Originated to distinguish one chief from another on the battlefield or tournament ground should the shield and banner be destroyed - consequently, no crest was ever granted to a woman. Originally carved from light wood or made from moulded boiled leather, and fastened to the HELM by the WREATH.

THE MANTLING - Originally a piece of cloth spread over the back of the HELM to protect the wearer from sun and rain. Often deliberately shredded to show or imply that the wearer has seen action on the battlefield.

THE SHIELD - The main object upon which the devices and symbols of Heraldry are depicted.

	Gold One of the two metals of armoury, is significant of Generosity and according to Sir John Ferne, denotes “Elevation of Mind”. It is pointed out by Guillim, considered the most authoritative of the ancient heraldic writers however, that the term “Generosity” is not intended to portray one prone to the mass distribution of his worldly possessions, misguidedly or otherwise; but denotes a ‘bearer of arms’ considered by his Sovereign to be of a magnanimity which would display both true fortitude in defeat and a true Christian charity in victory.
	Azure (blue) Blue is symbolical of Loyalty and Truth. It was the colour devoted and ascribed to The Virgin by the Roman Church.
	Lower Bar The lower bar is representative of the Military Belt (Girdle of Honour) and was granted as a recognition of active and notable military service.
	The Upper Bar The upper bar is significant of one who placed the bars of conscience and religion above evil temptations and angry passions.
	The Ben Baltheur This is the diagonal division of the shield from dexter-chief to sinister base, as is representative of the shield suspender ‘scarfe’ of a knight and was the insignia of rank of a Knight Commander. This bearing is represented in modern times by the Military Sash, worn by officers of ‘Field Rank’ and above on ceremonial occasions.
	The Ounce or Snow Leopard If size be considered is one of the most formidable and capable fighters of the animal kingdom, able to overcome and make prey on animals considerably in excess of his own stature. He is also a very cunning fighter, certainly not quixotic and usually arranging confrontation to his own advantage, thereby gaining the full benefit from surprise. It was therefore adopted to heraldry as one of the emblems denoting a warrior who had proven an ability to devise and execute stratagems to the great disadvantage on enemies.

NOTE

These arms are of great antiquity, originally designed to provide immediate and ready recognition in battle. Therefore the ‘Marks of Cadency’, later introduced into heraldry to indicate the various branches or cadets descending from the original bearer have not been presented; nor have the later recognitions sometimes added by later bearers to render the bearing a ceremonial feature as well as a recognition, been added to these bearings. The armorial bearings of the original bearer was a battle shield, and because this bearer did bring honour to this bearing, later bearers of the name have permitted this bearing to be the only portrayal of the arms. Though subsequent bearers have undoubtedly earned recognition and honours in their own right, they have obviously placed pride of ancestry above their own accomplishments.

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