What Is Mantling on a Coat of Arms?

A mantle is a decorative embellishment on a coat of arms.

Mantling on a coat of arms is the decorative drapery above or around the helm. As it is not an official part of the coat of arms, it may be represented in a number of different ways.

History

According to Rosemary A. Chorzempa, medieval knights wore a cloth covering called a mantle over their helmets, to shield themselves from the sun. The mantling on a coat of arms is a stylized representation of this fabric.

Design

In a full "heraldic achievement," as drawn by the College of Arms in the United Kingdom, the arms are painted on a shield, which is topped by a helmet, called the helm. The mantle is often depicted as a swirl of ribbons above or around the helm. It may also take the form of stylized fabric, tassels or foliage.

Color

Unlike the colors of the coat of arms, which are assigned by the College of Arms, the colors of the mantle may be specified by the bearer of the arms. However, mantles are most often colored to match the arms emblazoned on the shield.

References

• Fleur-de-lis Designs: Family Crest and Coats of Arms: Mantlings
• "Design Your Own Coat of Arms: An Introduction to Heraldry"; Rosemary A. Chorzempa; 1987
• The College of Arms: The Full Achievement
• The College of Arms: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Society for Creative Anachronism: A Heraldic Primer: Introduction and Table of Contents