Supporter

As a sign holder ( formerly Crest servants ) are called in heraldry behind, beside or underneath-the- shield of a coat of arms human and animal figures, to be taken at a suitable base, a floor, lawn, cornice, console, pedestal, an ornamental vine or similar maintain stand. Only angels can fly a plane. They occur singly or in pairs, same or different side or behind the shield on, carry, hold or support him. However, this representation is often the case only with the main crest or coat of arms the so-called Great. The cohesion of the coat of arms is often underlined with the arms tent ( no crest jacket). There are other terms for plate holder: crest holder, plate boys, coat of arms restraint and also Guard.

The plate holder have emerged from the seal. They served on them to revive the free surfaces. A seal with armorial from 1195 is the oldest evidence of a plate holder. It shows a lion with shield slung over his shoulder.

Plate holder are classified according to the heraldic rules to the splendor or showpieces a coat of arms. That is, they were not originally entrenched in the full coat of arms. They made no additional statements about the coat of arms owner and were not related to specific rights. They only served as decoration and could at any time be omitted. They were also not hereditary.

Another, less common, display of sign holders is that the coat of arms. Here they keep a smaller plate and then do not belong to the gems, but they are expected to mean figure. Examples are the coat of arms of Kamenz and fire -Erbisdorf.

Since the mid-17th century, however, it became customary to give plate holder diploma and moderately heritable. A number of country- beautiful coat of arms have certain plate holder, an are fixed once and for all by regulations.

Widespread as supporter or crest holder are the wild men, depicted as naked, bearded, hairy, legs holding Wilde, mask the shame with a sheet or sheets belt. This coat of arms holders are often tinged unheraldisch in natural color. Other forms are saints or church officials, often with a halo ( halo ) are surrounded. They often hold a crozier or other sacred regalia.

The representation of the owners often happens so that they can keep the coat of arms appreciation in one hand or with the forefoot in animals spears, flags or crosses. Not infrequently they also religious or religious chains are reassigned.

From the heraldic animals lions, unicorns, griffins or bears are frequently used, for example. Particularly, the mystic heraldic animals in use. The blazon the attitude and direction of view of the animals must be observed and followed the rules of the plate description. You may be rising, standing, jumping on the shield and watch the viewer ( en face made ​​), or resist seeing his back turned. Often a crown of plate holder is made. Rarely reclining figures are taken. The tincture is subject to the heraldic color rules. Are on the main shield many helmets fitted, has become established that the outer helmets are placed the shield holders.

In England, the plate holder shall be deemed special decorations that are still officially awarded.

Examples

Young Coat of Arms of Hungary: two angels

Coat of arms of Lesotho: two Basutho Horse

Coat of arms of Baden-Württemberg: Baden Württemberg Hirsch and Cross

Coat of arms of the Counts Finck von Finckenstein: two lions

Coat of arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: a seal and a penguin

Basel coat of arms: a basilisk (Original mirrored)

Coat of Arms of Australia: kangaroo and emu

Late -romantic depiction of the emblem of a fraternity (1844 ) with knight

Coat of arms of Austria Corps with knight as a shield holder

Passion Coat with Lamb of God: Jesus and Mary

Arms of the city Kamenz with plate holder as privates figure

Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom: Lion and Unicorn (unofficial tracing )