THE "CAUDEBEC" COAT-OF-ARMS
The Caudebec Coat-of-Arms is a pointed, oval azure, two metal shield, with an ("or") gold embattled mural crown or crest.
Across the face of the shield area charges: three argent finned smelts naiant, placed one above the other.
Near the point of the shield is an "argent" (silver) daisy.
From this, a wreath of "or" (gold) encircles the shield, reaching nearly the crest.
On the sinister side of the shield, this wreath is a laurel branch, on the dexter side, an olive branch. (In heraldry, dexter (right) and sinister (left), denote the right and left sides respectively, of the shield in the position as the wearer views it, and not as viewed by a distant observer). On some of the Caudebec Coat-of-Arms, the laurel and the olive branches are crossed at or near the shield point, and are tied by a bow of ribbon.
The azure (sky blue), the royal color of the Bourbons, predominates in French shields, and denotes justice and loyalty.
The "argent" denotes purity.
The "or" denotes stability and worth.
The smelts were peculiarly and pleasingly flavored fish, with pale green back, and silvery white lower part.
It has been said that the presence of fish on Coat-of-Arms, denoted a predominant occupation of an early period.
The olive and laurel denote peace and victory.
Crests were originally a device indicative of high honor, and were worn upon a helm. Later they were placed upon and attached to the shield. It's form and marking indicate a knight.
The emblems of the family later became the emblems of the town of Caudebec.
