Page:A Complete Guide to Heraldry.djvu/226

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196
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HERALDRY

The wolf (Figs. 337-341) is a very frequent charge in English armory. Apart from its use as a supporter, in which position it is found in conjunction with the shields of Lord Welby, Lord Rendell, and Viscount Wolseley, it will be found in the arms of Lovett and in by far the larger proportion of the coats for the name of Wilson and in the arms of Low.

The wolf, however, in earlier representations has a less distinctly wolf-like character, it being sometimes difficult to distinguish the wolf from some other heraldic animals. This is one of these cases in

Fig. 334.—Cat-a-mountain sejant guardant.
Fig. 334.—Cat-a-mountain sejant guardant.

Fig. 334.—Cat-a-mountain sejant guardant.

Fig. 335.—Cat-a-mountain sejant guardant erect.
Fig. 335.—Cat-a-mountain sejant guardant erect.

Fig. 335.—Cat-a-mountain sejant guardant erect.

Fig. 336.—Cat-a-mountain passant guardant.
Fig. 336.—Cat-a-mountain passant guardant.

Fig. 336.—Cat-a-mountain passant guardant.

Fig. 337.—Wolf rampant.
Fig. 337.—Wolf rampant.

Fig. 337.—Wolf rampant.

Fig. 338.—Wolf salient.
Fig. 338.—Wolf salient.

Fig. 338.—Wolf salient.

Fig. 339.—Wolf courant.
Fig. 339.—Wolf courant.

Fig. 339.—Wolf courant.

which, owing to insufficient knowledge and crude draughtsmanship, ancient heraldry is not to be preferred to more realistic treatment. The demi-wolf is a very frequent crest, occurring not only in the arms and crests of members of the Wilson and many other families, but also as the crest of Wolfe. The latter crest is worthy of remark, inasmuch as the Royal crown which is held within its paws typifies the assistance given to King Charles II., after the battle of Worcester, by Mr. Francis Wolfe of Madeley, to whom the crest was granted. King Charles, it may be noted, also gave to Mr. Wolfe a silver tankard, upon the lid of which was a representation of this crest. Wolves' heads are particularly common, especially in Scottish heraldry. An example of them will be found in the arms of