Gerry's Collection
of Antique Wax Seal Stamps
Heraldry
In this section, my aim is not at all to give a course about heraldry or how to read coats of arms. I am definitely not a specialist.
But being an enthusiast, I will do my best to analyze the seal stamps of my collection.
The basics...
I believe that this seal stamp is the one in the collection that has the most elements: Shield, crown, supporters, helm, mantling, crest, motto, and banners. It does not seem to have a compartment, nor a torse (wreath). I guess that the reason why most stamps don't have so many details is because of the (sometimes very) limited space to engrave, but also probably the skills of the engraver himself. But a stamp engraved with less details also makes the main and most important elements, such as the shield and the crown much more visible, so it could also be the bearer of the coat of arms' choice. While I personally use the term "arms" or "coat of arms", the terms "achievement" or "armorial achievement" are also used.
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The shield is the essential part of a coat of arms. Without it there cannot be any full heraldic display. Every element of a full heraldic coat of arms is dependent upon the shield. But in the engraving of the seal stamps, we can quite often see just a shield with less elements, or sometimes without any other object. ​
​The crest is the object placed on top of the helmet and bound to it by a "torse" (or "wreath"), which is a twist of cloth part of the mantling. The torse is of the two principal colors of the arms. Sometimes, instead of the torse (or wreath), the crest will use a crown (coronet), or a chapeau (for the Napoleonic nobility and clerics).​
The helm, or helmet, is placed above the shield (and the crown, when also depicted). The crest is then fastened to the helmet by the torse (or wreath), coronet, or chapeau. In the medieval times, the coat of arms was used on the knights' armor, so there had to be a helmet. But in later centuries, the helmet in the coat of arms was included to show the rank of the bearer. Status was depicted by using different positions for the helmet or different metals. ​
The mantling (lambrequin in French) is usually in the main colors of the arms. It is the decorative cloth or drapery that surrounds a coat of arms or helmet. It is depicted as flowing, sometimes tattered, fabric that frames the shield and helmet. The mantling was one of the components to suffer most from exaggerated effects during the 17th to 19th centuries, Earlier and later, the mantling was more modest.​
Crowns and coronets are the emblems of rank and status of the bearer and are shown, when depicted, between the shield and the helmet. Contrary to the UK, the "crest coronet", a coronet that supports the crest, in addition or instead of the torse (wreath), was widely used on the European continent. The crest coronet can replace the wreath, or complete it, resting upon it.​
Supporters are figures or animals positioned on either side of a shield, appearing as if they are holding it up or standing guard beside it. Supporters are a decorative element in a coat of arms and often add symbolism, emphasizing aspects of the family's heritage, values, or geographic connections. Traditionally, supporters were granted as a mark of special distinction and were not available to everyone with a coat of arms.​
The motto is a phrase or sentence that represents the values, ideals, or guiding principles of the person or the family to whom the arms belong. Typically displayed on a scroll below or above the shield, a motto serves as a statement of identity and purpose, often in Latin or another classical language, though many are also in English, French, or other local languages.​
The banners are versatile elements that serve to display mottos, denote honors, or add visual flourish, providing both functional and aesthetic depth to the heraldic design.
The compartment (second stamp example) is positioned directly beneath the shield and supporters, grounding the entire heraldic composition. It can be a simple line, or an elaborate design.​​​​
The Fess and the Crown of Marquis.
In heraldry, a "fess" is a horizontal band that runs across the center of a shield or escutcheon. It is typically about one-third the height of the shield and can be used in various designs to signify rank, lineage, or other symbolic meanings. The fess can be plain or decorated with various patterns and colors, and it often serves as a central feature in a coat of arms. In heraldry, the crown of a marquis typically features a stylized design with a series of leaves or fleurs-de-lis, usually consisting of 4 to 6 points or leaves. It's often depicted as a coronet that is less elaborate than that of a duke but more ornate than that of a count.
French Shield, Motto, Couped Cross, and Serpents, with the Crown of a Count.
In this coat of arms, we can see the French style shield, typically a rectangular shape with a pointed base. This design is quite distinct and is commonly seen in French heraldry. The ribbon beneath the shield, which is difficult to read, is the motto of the family. The motto in a coat of arms is a phrase or sentence that conveys values, beliefs, or ideals. It can be in various languages, commonly Latin, French, or English. The crown is the crown of a Count with 9 pearls. The cross is one of the honorable ordinaries, occupying a third of the shield. In this case, is it a “cross hummetty” (cross couped), since its edges don't touch the sides. The presence of the 4 snakes (serpents) can symbolize wisdom, protection, and guarding against threats
Finding the Origins of a Coat of Arms.
It is often difficult to identify the origin of an antique wax seal stamp. These are things of the past, and I guess that if we can find some for sale, it’s probably because the descendants of these families find them useless. So, the vast majority of the stamps that I have in my collection are from unknown origin. But it’s still nice to try to find out which country they may come from. One possibility can be to simply look at the crown. It is tricky though, because the crowns are different depending on the Kingdom the family belonged to. In this example - just for fun - I tried to locate the country. It could well be the stamp of a Marquis from Italy. Just a guess, of course. A Marquis (Marquess in English, Marchese in Italian) is the title above Count (Earl in the UK) and below the title of Duke. It’s a beautiful title.
Each European Monarchy has its own particularities. For example, in Spain there are 49 families of Marquis, for only 31 families of Counts. In Belgium however, there are many more Counts than Marquis. The Kingdom of Belgium has indeed 62 families of Counts, but only 9 families of Marquis.
Of course, the crown is only one way to try to find the origins of the coat of arms. Another obvious way is to examine the symbols, colors, and design elements. Many countries have specific colors and symbols that are traditionally associated with them. For example, a double-headed eagle is not a traditional symbol in French heraldry. It is more commonly associated with the heraldry of the Byzantine Empire and later with various Eastern European countries, Russia and Austria. In France, the most recognizable heraldic symbols include lions, fleurs-de-lis, and also eagles, but single-headed.
In Hungary, mountains and hills can often be found in coats of arms, representing the geographical features of Hungary, and a symbol of strength and stability.
In Spanish heraldry, the Cross of Saint James (or Santiago), which is associated with the patron saint of Spain, often appears in heraldic designs, particularly in the context of the Kingdom of León and other regions.
Waves, or wavy lines, or water motifs, are often found in the Portuguese heraldry, to represent the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal’s maritime history, highlighting its role as a maritime power.
Besides this, one can also get clues about the origin of a coat of arms by looking at the shape of the shield, and also the family motto. But, in all cases, it is not an easy task...
Bend, Cinquefoil, Horn.
In this coat of arms you can see a helmet, rather than a crown. But let's keep that for another example and look at the shield. There is a bar that runs from the upper right (sinister chief) to the lower left (dexter base). It is called a "bend sinister". As opposed to a standard bend (left to right), it is used to signify a different lineage or to distinguish a particular achievement in a coat of arms. In the center of the bend, there is a "Cinquefoil". In heraldry, it refers to a stylized leaf or flower with five lobes. The Cinquefoil is often used as a decorative element and can symbolize nature, fertility, and nobility. The hunting horn symbolizes nobility and status. It is often associated with the aristocracy, as hunting was a pastime of the nobility in medieval Europe. The horn represents the ideals of chivalry, including bravery, honor, and the pursuit of noble endeavors.
Heraldic Colors, Charges, and Mantling.
The colors of heraldry are: Argent (for silver of white), Or (for gold or yellow), Gules (for red), Azure (for blue), Vert (for green), Purpure (for purple), and Sable (for black). But how to know the colors of a coat of arms on a wax seal stamp? Simply by looking at the pattern used in the symbols. Each color has its own pattern. The fess on this shield is Azure (blue), and the shield is Argent (silver or white). The coat of arms includes 3 "fleur-de-lis", stylized lily flowers often associated with French royalty. In heraldic contexts, it symbolizes purity, light, and life. Such symbols are called "charges". Here the flowers are arranged as "3 charges in chevron inverted". But we will come back to this later. The decorative, flowing pieces of fabric that drape around the top of the shield are called "mantling", resembling leaves or foliage.
Viscount, Tower, Stars, and Boar.
A crown adorned with five pearls is a specific design used to denote the rank of a Viscount, a noble title that is below a Count (Earl) and above a Baron. We can see a tower on the shield. It symbolizes strength, defense, and security, representing fortifications that protect a territory or its people. The 3 stars above the tower generally symbolize honor, excellence, and divine guidance. Three stars can also denote a significant achievement or the importance of three key values or ideals. On top of the tower itself we can see what appears to be a domestic boar. While we cannot be sure about the actual meaning of the boar in this specific coat of arms, it usually refers to fertility in heraldry. The pattern of the shield tells us that it is an Azur shield, meaning blue. For the mantling, we see tree branches, which can symbolize growth, life, and connection to nature.
Helmet, and a mouse?
The helmet is placed on top of the shield. Originally everything in heraldry was strictly utilitarian. As armorial bearings were used with armors, there had to be a helmet. Rules for the depiction of the helmet show the rank of the bearer. Some helmets are displayed in profile and some in full face, with different metals and accoutrements, to indicate status. The helmet on this example is a "Peer Helmet", which can be used in the coat of arms of a Duke, a Marquis, a Count, a Viscount, or a Baron, but not for a King or a sovereign noble. Lower ranks of nobility, such as Knights, Baronets, or Esquire use different types of helmets. We can see that the mantling is tied to the helmet and forms a backdrop for the shield. While it is found in most full coats of arms (the ones that include all the elements), some may not include a helmet, such as those representing the clergy, or the coats of arms of noble women. Traditionally, the coats of arms for women indeed intentionally omit helmets, especially if they are not married. It is interesting to look at the little animal that is inside what appears to be a gate. It looks like a "seated mouse", even though it could be the depiction of a bear. A mouse is indeed rarely used in heraldry. Those who have good eyes may be better able to identify the animal...​​
Eagles and Banners
This is a coat of arms of the Belgian Counts van der Straten Ponthoz. There are 59 families of Counts in Belgium. But most of these old families have resided in the current territory of Belgium for hundreds of years, before Belgium actually existed. This family originates from Flanders. Spanish nobles resided in Flanders in the 15th and 16th centuries and married in to local houses. In the period under Dutch sovereignty, the nobility formed an important factor in the independence. After the independence of Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands lost an important part of nobles: All the high families lived in the south and became part of the Belgian nobility. On this coat of arms we see two large eagles. These are the shield supporters. A heraldic shield supporter is a figure or creature that stands beside a coat of arms, providing support or decoration. These supporters can be animals, mythical creatures, or human figures and are often depicted on either side of the shield. They enhance the visual impact of the arms and can also signify qualities associated with the arms' owner, such as bravery or nobility. The eagle is a major element of the coat of arms of this family (mine, actually). Apart from the two eagles placed as supporters, we can also see 3 claws of eagle in the shield, as well as one in the crest. In heraldry, the crest is the decorative element that sits atop the helmet in a coat of arms. It is often a figure, animal, or object and serves as a symbol of the individual or family it represents, in this case the eagle. Banners are also be included as decorative elements on both sides of the shield. While not always included, banners are an important part of heraldic tradition and can add to the richness and meaning of a coat of arms. (Ai)
More about the van der Straten family.
Fur and Ermine
If I don't make a mistake, the coat of arms of the le Roy family should be described in correct heraldic language as: Tierced per fess, Or, Vert, and Ermine, the Or charged with a lion rampant gules. Ermine is a "fur". In heraldry, "fur" refers to a specific type of pattern or design used in coats of arms, mimicking the appearance of animal pelts. The most common types of fur in heraldry include Ermine (A white field with black spots, representing the fur of the stoat in winter), Ermines (A black field with white spots, the reverse of ermine), and Vair (A pattern resembling blue and white or silver bell-shaped shapes, representing the fur of a squirrel). There are more variations.
On this coat of arms, you can see the ermine fur in the lower part of the shield. The use of ermine fur in coats of arms originates from the medieval tradition of heraldry. Ermine was highly valued for its beauty and warmth. It symbolizes purity, nobility, and dignity. In medieval Europe, especially in England and France, ermine was associated with royalty and high-ranking officials. It was often used in ceremonial robes and regalia. The significance of ermine has endured over the centuries, making it a popular choice in heraldic design to convey prestige and status.
Noble union through marriage
In heraldry, alliances through marriage are often represented on coats of arms in various specific ways. "Quartering" is one possibility, with the coat of arms divided into sections, each representing the arms of the families involved. This shows the union of two lineages. "Differences" is another way, in which modifications to the original coat of arms (like adding a label or changes in colors) can indicate the marriage.
But two shields can also represent a marriage in heraldry. This is typically done in a few ways, but the "Impalement" is a common method, where the two shields of the coats of arms are displayed side by side. One side represents one family, while the other side represents the spouse's family. On this seal stamp, we can see the shields of Princess Elisabeth Nikolaevna Saltykov (1772-1852), and her husband Charles-Louis-Francois-Gabriel de Raimond de Mormoiron, Count of Modena (1774-1833).
The House of Saltykov (Russian: Салтыков) is the name of an old Russian noble family that can trace its ancestry back to 1240. In March 1730, the family was awarded the title of Count in Russia, granted to them by Empress Anna of Russia. The princely branch comes from Field Marshal General N.I. Saltykov (1736-1816), who, by imperial decree, received with his offspring, male and female, the title of Prince.
Charles-Louis-Francois-Gabriel de Raimond de Mormoiron, Count of Modena, was born in Paris but naturalized Russian by Emperor Paul I. He married Princess Elisabeth Saltykov in 1796 and they moved to Russia during the French Revolution. He became Chamberlain and Marshal to Emperor Nicholas I and was Head of the Anichkov Palace under the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna who described him as being a man with exquisite manners of the old Versailles Court, polite even in jokes.
The Old and the New Nobility.
Heraldic Description of a Coat of Arms.
In Europe, not all families with a coat of arms are part of the old nobility. Some belong to the new nobility, and it is often confusing. The terms "old nobility" and "new nobility" refer to different classes within the aristocracy, based on historical origins and societal roles. The old nobility generally includes families that have held noble titles for generations, often dating back to medieval times and may have transmitted land, titles, and privileges over centuries. Old nobility is associated with established lineage, prestige, and traditional roles within society, including positions in the monarchy or government. New nobility refers to individuals who have recently acquired noble status, often through wealth gained in commerce, industry, or other modern means rather than through inheritance. New nobility might integrate into the established elite, but they can also bring different values, influences, and perspectives, sometimes causing tension with old noble families. Having said that, "new nobles" received a title from their King for very valid reasons and can certainly be proud of their achievements, while "old nobles" simply inherit the title and privileges by birth.
In this section we can see the coat of arms of Johann Peter von Reininghaus. German, he became noble in 1884, which may place his family in the "new nobility". In 1884, Germany was part of the German Empire. The emperor at that time was Kaiser Wilhelm I, who ruled from 1871 until his death in 1888. He was the King of Prussia prior to becoming the German Emperor, and his reign marked a significant period in German history, characterized by unification and industrial expansion. Johann Peter von Reininghaus received the noble title of Baron (Freiherr) in the Holy Roman Empire. He was an influential figure, particularly known for his contributions to the brewing industry in Austria.
The coat of arms of Johann Peter von Reininghaus includes many symbols that are interesting to "read". In Heraldic English, this is the description (correct me if I am wrong): A shield, quarterly: 1st and 4th, Or, a natural oak trunk growing from a hero's foot, transversely divided Vert and Argent, branching dexter and sinister with green leaves, enclosing a red rose in wreath; 2nd, Gules, a leaping horse Argent; 3rd, Azure, on a mount Vert, a four-sided tower with a pointed roof, decorated with a cross Or at the ball's pommel, having three windows, one above the other, between cornices, and a gate flanked by two columns. On the shield rests a crowned tournament helmet, from which hang mantling Gules and Or on the dexter, and Azure and Or on the sinister. The crest displays three ostrich feathers, the central feather Or, flanked by feathers Gules and Azure. ​
Connecting a family to an antique seal stamp by looking at the details of the coat of arms.
Most of the seal stamps of my collection are from "unknown families". But even if it is not an easy task, I like to try to find the origin of my stamps. This one is a bit tricky, in the sense that both shields are oval. Oval shields sometimes refer to noble women, so I can't be certain that it belonged to a man or a woman. We can see that the right shield is "Or three owls sable", meaning a yellow (or gold) shield charged with three black owls. This is the coat of arms of the French family of Marquis de Lillers, who (to make things even more difficult) were Counts before to become Marquis. But since the crown in the engraving is apparently a crown of Marquis and not one of a Count, it narrows quite much the number of possible former owners of this stamp. The family is known for its connections to the military and royal court, and its members often held positions of influence and power. By searching online, we can learn that Edmond-Marie-Michel Le Duc was Marquis of Lillers, as well as Louis Michel Antoine, who was referred as Louis Michel Le Duc de Lillers. But there must be several more family members who carried the title, of course. Edmond Le Duc, Marquis of Lillers, was born in 1881 in Paris, which could match the age of the stamp itself. He was the son of Louis-Emmanuel and Solange de La Rochefoucauld, and married Marguerite de Nicolau. But... the left shield does not correspond to the families of these spouses, so we can assume that the stamp belonged to another family member. It's not that simple...
The motto of the family is "Vis Unita Fortior" in Latin, which translates to "United strength is stronger" in English. This reflects a theme of unity and strength in their heritage.
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Mantling or Mantle?
In heraldry, mantling, or "lambrequin" in French, and mantle both refer to elements of a coat of arms, but they have distinct meanings. The mantling is the cloth draped behind and around the helmet above the shield in a coat of arms. It is often depicted as flowing and elaborate, representing fabric that could be a protective cloth covering the knight’s helmet. Originally, it was believed to shield the knight from the sun, but in heraldry, it is more decorative. Mantling is generally designed in the primary colors of the coat of arms, with one color on the outer part and another on the lining. The first pictures are examples of coats of arms with mantling. The mantle in a coat of arms, however, refers to a larger, ceremonial drapery or cloak that surrounds the entire coat of arms, often seen in royal or noble arms. It resembles a curtain-like structure that may envelop the shield, supporters, and other elements. A mantle typically signifies high status and is often edged with ermine fur and tied with cords or tassels, symbolizing the authority or nobility of the bearer. The second pictures are examples. In essence, mantling is the decorative drapery around the helmet, while the mantle is a more elaborate cloak-like structure symbolizing the high rank or dignity of the noble. Mantles can vary, reflecting the status and rank of the person or organization the coat of arms represents. Mantles for Monarchs or Emperors are highly elaborate, typically lined with ermine. Arms of high-ranking nobility, such as dukes, also include mantles, as well as senior clerics, such as bishops or archbishops. Chivalric or Knightly Mantles represent a specific order and are often decorated with symbols of the order, such as crosses or specific colors. The picture of the white stamp shows the mantle of a Peer of France. Overall, the variations in design allow the mantle to visually convey the level of status, authority, or affiliation of the bearer within the context of heraldic tradition. A mantle in the coat of arms is also a symbol of authority, while mantling is a decorative accessory.
Finding the family...
It is really difficult to find out which family owned a stamp. In this example I just tried to find which family arms have a blue (Azur) shield charged with a yellow (Or) chevron, two six-pointed stars, and a lily flower. But as we can see on the few examples I did put together, there are countless variations possible in heraldry. All the shields on the picture have a blue shield and a yellow chevron, but each is different. And it is only a small example of the possibilities. To complicate even further, if by any chance we can find a matching coat of arms in an armorial, we still must be sure that it also matches the correct country.
Heraldry of the future?
Heraldry has survived for centuries, evolving from medieval battlefields to family crests, corporate logos, and even sci-fi interpretations. In 100 years, it’s likely that heraldry will still exist, but in new forms. Even if traditional noble titles fade, the human love for symbols, heritage, and identity won’t. Maybe future wax seals will be digital imprints rather than molten wax, but the essence of heraldry will persist. I have started a new collection. But it is a collection of images, this time. You can explore my growing archive of AI-generated versions of my antique wax seal stamps here: