University of Notre Dame

 

Hesburgh Libraries

Rare Books & Special Collections

Nautical Objects

Charges pertaining to nautical objects can be seen in sometimes in heraldry. The image of an anchor figures heavily in English armory. Other nautical symbols, such as those below, can be found frequently on different family charges.

  • lymphad, sails furled
    lymphad, sails furled

  • anchor
    anchor

  • Cetherines wheel
    Catherine's wheel

  • escallop
    escallop

  • water-bouget
    water-bouget

Note: The Catherine's wheel has been included here with the nautical charges because of its similarity in appearance to a ship's steering wheel — it is in fact a torture device.