As a last example of allusive arms, we may quote a comparatively modern example—viz., the coat of arms of the Cunard family.
Here we find three anchors charged upon the field, in obvious allusion to Sir Samuel Cunard, the eminent merchant of Philadelphia and the founder of the House of Cunard.
CHAPTER II
THE SHIELD—ITS FORM, POINTS, AND TINCTURES
Nothing is more fascinating in the study of heraldry than the cunning fashion in which it tells the history either of a single individual or of a family, of an institution, or of a city—sometimes even of an empire—all within the space of one small shield, by using the signs which compose its language. It is astounding how much information can be conveyed by the skilful arrangement of these signs to those who can interpret them.
For armorial bearings were not originally adopted for ornament, but to give real information, about those who bore them.
THE DUKE OF LEINSTER.