Plate Number and Description The crest on Plate 14, Image 3 (Pl. 14. cr. 3.) is described as a dexter hand holding an ear of wheat (or rye).
Surnames Associated with this Crest
- Dunbar (Inchbreek)
- Eynford (England)
- Eynsworth (England)
- Hellis (England)
- Howse (England)
- Riddel (Scotland)
Symbolism of the Crest Hand / Dexter Hand: The hand is a symbol of pledge, faith, sincerity, and justice. As a “dexter” (right) hand, it specifically represents power, labor, and the active creation of one’s destiny. Wheat / Rye (Grain): An ear of wheat or rye is a classic emblem of abundance, plenty, and agricultural fertility. It signifies the rewards of honest labor, the sustenance of life, and the bountiful harvest that comes from patience and cultivation. It represents the idea that the bearer’s prosperity is the fruit of their own industry and virtue.
General Symbolic Meanings The image of a hand grasping a stalk of grain combines the concepts of industry and reward. It suggests a lineage that values productivity and the sustenance of the family or community through hard work. Unlike warlike crests, this symbol emphasizes peace, provision, and the vitality of life. It implies that true wealth and security (“The wise man does not want,” as the Dunbar motto suggests) are achieved through wisdom and steady effort rather than conflict.