The crest on Plate 4, Image 2 (Pl. 4. cr. 2.) is described as a dexter hand (or arm) holding a broken spear (or lance/tilting spear), often in bend or proper.
Surnames:
- Abadam (England)
- Cockburn (Stonyflat)
- Despard
- Douglas (Cavers)
- Douglas (Edinburgh)
- King (London)
- King (Towcester, Northamptonshire)
- Krowton (England)
- Remington (Lund, Yorkshire)
- Scot (Whitslaid, Scotland)
Hand / Arm: The hand or arm is a classic heraldic symbol representing strength, fidelity, and labor; it signifies the instrument of the mind and the physical means of defense. Broken Spear (or Lance): The spear is an emblem of knightly service, martial readiness, and devotion to honor; when depicted as broken, it typically symbolizes “peace restored” or a hard-fought victory where the weapon was shattered in the heat of battle, indicating a warrior who has survived conflict or disarmed an opponent, representing peace achieved through strength.
This crest combines the strength of the arm with the imagery of a shattered weapon, suggesting a lineage known for martial prowess and the ability to endure conflict. It implies that the bearer is a veteran of struggles who has successfully defended their honor or country, breaking the weapons of war to establish tranquility, or perhaps signifies a victory so complete that weapons are no longer needed.
The crest on Plate 4, Crest 1 (Pl. 4. cr. 1.) is described as a dexter hand (or arm) brandishing or holding a scymitar, cutlass, sabre, or couteau sword.
Surnames Associated with this Crest:
- Adderton (England)
- Aderton (England)
- Affleck (Scotland)
- Ainsle (England)
- Balmanno (Scotland)
- Blackwood (Scotland)
- Boswell (Scotland)
- Brice (England)
- Brice (Antrim, Ireland)
- Browes (England)
- Bruce (Scotland)
- Bryce (England)
- Buchanan (Scotland)
- Cobb (England)
- Cobbe (England)
- Couper (Scotland)
- Cowper (Gloucestershire)
- Dalziel (England)
- Damerney (England)
- Darmant (England)
- Demeschines (England)
- Dowgiss (Scotland)
- Dowglass (Scotland)
- Elliot (Scotland)
- Ewat (Scotland)
- Finlay (Scotland)
- Foreman (Scotland)
- Forman (Scotland)
- Fry (Dorsetshire, England)
- Garrard (England)
- Gordon (Scotland)
- Heart (Scotland)
- Heeley (England)
- Heely (England)
- Inglis (England)
- Joliffe (England)
- Kragg (England)
- Lamford (England)
- Lancaster (England)
- M’Aulay (Scotland)
- M’Haddo (Scotland)
- M’Kay (Scotland)
- M’Taggart (Scotland)
- Macrae (Scotland)
- Masterton (Scotland)
- Matheson (Scotland)
- Meschines, De (England)
- Mowbray, De (England)
- Napier (England)
- Napier (Scotland)
- Niblie (Scotland)
- Nock (England)
- Officer (Scotland)
- Ogilvie (Scotland)
- Parker (England)
- Peachey (England)
- Peterson (England)
- Pim (Ireland)
- Readers (England)
- Sawers (Scotland)
- Seaton (England) [
- Seton (England)
- Shortreed (Scotland)
- Stewart (Scotland)
- Stuart (Scotland)
- Vile (England)
- Walmsley (England)
- Weeks (England)
- Wemyss (England)
Symbolism of the Crest
Dexter Hand / Arm: The hand is a symbol of the pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice. The right hand (dexter) specifically indicates a pledge of trust and protection. Scymitar / Cutlass / Sabre / Falchion: These curved blades are distinct from the standard knightly sword. They are emblems of military honor and execution of justice, but historically, the scimitar specifically often denoted participation in the Crusades or Eastern campaigns. The cutlass may suggest naval service or maritime defense. Being “brandished” or held aloft signifies a readiness for action and defense.
General Symbolic Meaning
The combination of a strong hand brandishing a curved blade represents a lineage prepared to defend its rights and honor at a moment’s notice. It suggests a history of active military service, particularly where agility and close-quarters combat were required, or potentially a connection to historical naval prowess. The imagery conveys a “word and deed” philosophy—the hand represents the pledge, and the sword represents the means to enforce or defend that pledge.