The Crest: Hand Holding a Billet The crest on Plate 2, Crest 4 (Pl. 2. cr. 4.) is described as a dexter (right) hand, often couped (cut off straight), holding a billet. The specific variation you mentioned (“a dexter hand, gules, holding a billet, sable”) is explicitly listed for the surnames Innes and M’Braid.
Surnames: 
- Ambros (England)
- Ambrose (England)
- Callander (Kincaledine)
- Callander (Craigforth)
- Callendar (Scotland)
- Coldicott (England)
- Innes (Writer to the Signet, Edinburgh)
- M’Braid (Scotland) [
- Palishull (England)
- Pattishall (England)
- Prydeux (England) [
Symbolism of the Crest The Hand (Dexter Hand): In heraldry, the hand is a symbol of faith, sincerity, and justice. It represents the pledge of faith (the “main de justice”) and is often associated with industry and hard work. The Billet: A billet is a rectangular bearing representing a folded letter, a scroll of paper, or a block of wood (used in construction). It symbolizes credibility, trustworthiness, and diplomacy (as a letter) or firmness and stability (as a building block).
General Symbolic Meanings The combination of a hand grasping a billet suggests a lineage distinguished by administrative trust, legal authority, or diplomatic service. It implies a family known for keeping their word, handling important correspondence, or maintaining the stability of their house through wise counsel and faithful service.