Should the eldest son himself have a son, he would bear his father’s arms differenced by a label, to show that he was of the first house; and on that label there would be charged another label, showing that he was the first son of that house. Again, the fourth son bears, as we have seen, a martlet for difference. His fifth son would, therefore, charge an annulet on his father’s martlet, thereby implying that he was the fifth son of the fourth house.
The members of the Royal family difference their arms with a silver label of three points, charged with some distinguishing mark specially assigned to them by the sovereign. Thus Prince Alfred bears on the first and third points of his label, an anchor az.; on the middle point, a cross gu. Prince Arthur, a cross gu., between 2 fleurs-de-lys az. The Princess Royal, a rose between 2 crosses gu, &c. The Prince of Wales, of course, bears his label plain.
As marks of cadency are merely accidental differences, and do not form an integral part of the arms, it is permissible to charge metal on metal, or colour on colour. A field gu., therefore, differenced with a label az., would not be considered false heraldry.
This method of showing the seniority of the different branches of a family was formerly, and still ought to be, strictly observed, though at the present day it is very much neglected.
MARSHALLING.
By Marshalling is meant combining various coats of arms on one escutcheon, by which means the family alliances or official dignity of the bearer is indicated.
At marriage, the husband is entitled to marshal
