It is given to British subjects who have distinguished themselves in service in the East and it is also often born by merchants, the association being that they are like the magi.

TheВ easternВ orВ antique crownВ has a gold rim with eight sharp, triangular rays, only five of which are seen. The wordВ crown, blazoned without any additional details, usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap. It is a visible sign of success, thus the termВ вЂcrowning achievementвЂ™, and its significance as the decoration of the ultimate level of rank and power, makes bearing the crown a great honour.В CrownsВ are also symbols of God, as he is considered by some to be the вЂKing of allвЂ™. TheВ crownВ is an emblem of victory, sovereignty, and empire. That figure is now referred to as a heraldic antelope, as opposed to the later version, which has a more natural aspect. TheВ antelopeВ has also been used occasionally as an emblem of purity and fleetness.Д®arly representations of theВ antelopeВ did not look much like the real animal, as they were likely drawn from descriptions. Thus theВ antelopeВ signifies harmony, polity and peace. It represents someone who is skilful at music and a lover of harmony, someone with a keen mind for politics and the ability to foresee times and opportunities well, and lastly, a person who is unwilling to assail his enemies rashly, who would prefer to stand his ground than risk harming another wrongfully. TheВ antelopeВ which is also referred to as an ibex or a springbok has three main symbolic meanings in heraldry. TheВ antВ may also be referred to as an emmet. TheВ antВ is not a very common symbol in heraldry, but when depicted theВ antВ is usually accompanied by a drawing of anВ anthill. The symbol of theВ antВ traditionally signified one who was a strong labourer, wise and provident in all his affairs. On English arms, anВ annuletВ was a mark of cadency signifying the fifth son. In some circles an annulet represented riches. TheВ annuletВ may have been borne to indicate that the bearer had the superior qualities of a knight. The Romans are said to have worn a ring as a sign of knighthood and rings are still used at some coronations and in the institution of knighthood.

As a closed circle, it is symbolic of continuity and wholeness. Maritime devices are found less often on the continent where many countries are essentially landlocked, but Cosmo de Medici, the Duke of Etruria is an example of a Spanish noble who bore two anchors on his shield. It was even a device that was once born by King Richard I. It is a common figure in the English armour, which is not surprising given that Britain is an island. It is also an appropriate device for the coat of arms of a family with a seafaring tradition. TheВ anchorВ is the emblem of salvation and hope. It is extremely uncommon in heraldry.ДЄnВ amphiptereВ is a winged serpent found very rarely in heraldry, though it does exist as a supporter and as a charge on a shield occasionally.ДЄnВ amphisboenaВ is a winged serpent with two legs and a head at both ends of its body however the drawing of this creature does not strictly follow this description.

TheВ acornВ is usually vert (green) but it can also be other colours.ДЄn allocamelus is a creature with the head of a donkey joined to the body of a camel. It can be found slipped and leaved theВ acorn-sprig is not uncommon as a crest and acorn-cups are represented alone. The sign of theВ acornВ in heraldry has traditionally been used to indicate independence in its bearer.

Rise of the phoenix shield