of supporters is restricted to peers of the realm, and knights of the Bath; although they are sometimes specially granted by the sovereign to persons of lower rank, on account of some distinguished service. The privilege is also accorded to peeresses, whether unmarried, widows, or the wives of commoners, under the restrictions before mentioned.
Mantling.
The Mantling is the ornamental accessory generally depicted behind the escutcheon. When the arms have supporters, it is usual to represent the mantling as a cloak (manteau), or robe of estate. The royal mantling is of gold, and that of peers of crimson velvet; both being lined with ermine. The mantling of esquires is commonly depicted as hanging from the helmet; and the curls, and other fantastic shapes it is made to assume, are supposed to indicate that it has become thus mutilated from long service in war.
Augmentations of Honour.
These are certain honourable addenda to the hereditary arms, specially granted to individuals by the sovereign, for some extraordinary public service. Augmentations have generally an allusion to the particular act by which the bearer has distinguished himself. Thus, James VI. of Scotland permitted Sir John Ramsay to impale the following arms with his own: Az.; a dexter hand holding a sword in pale ar., pommelled and hilted or, piercing man’s heart ppr., and supporting on the point an imperial crown of the last. This was in commemoration of Sir John killing Ruthven and his brother the Earl of Gowrie,
