The annexed example is or, a bordure engrailed, gules.
The differences used by armorists at the present time are nine in number. They not only distinguish the sons of one family, but also denote the subordinate degrees in each house.
| The Heir, or first son, the LABEL | |
Second Son, the CRESCENT | |
| Third Son, the MULLET | |
| Fourth Son, the MARTLET | |
| Fifth Son, the ANNULET | |
| Sixth Son, the FLEUR-DE-LIS |
| Seventh Son, the ROSE | |
| Eighth Son, the CROSS MOLINE | |
| Ninth Son, the DOUBLE QUATREFOIL |
Should either of the nine brothers have male children, the eldest child would place the label on the difference that distinguished his father; the second son would place the crescent upon it; the third the mullet; continuing the same order for as many sons as he may have.
The label only, is used in the arms of the royal family as a difference; but the points of the label are charged with different figures to distinguish the second and succeeding sons. The arms of the sons of King George III. were thus distinguished: the shield of the arms of the Prince of Wales by a label; the Duke of York's by the label, the center point of which was charged with a red cross; that of the Duke of Clarence by a label, the dexter and sinister points of which were charged with an anchor, the center point with the red cross; each of the succeeding sons were differenced by charges on the points of the labels.
All the figures denoting differences are also used as perfect charges on the shield; but their size and situation will sufficiently determine whether the figure is used as a perfect coat of arms, or is introduced as a difference or dimunition.
Sisters have no differences in their coats of arms. They are permitted to bear the arms of their father, as the eldest son does after his father's decease.