Burgher arms

In some European countries, certain armorial bearings have traditionally been restricted to a particular social class (usually the nobility), e.g. the use of supporters in Great Britain, tinctures in Portugal or coronets in Sweden.

Most widespread burgher heraldry was and still is found in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and in the Netherlands.

Today, the Council of Heraldry and Vexillology for the French Community and the Flemish Heraldic Council for the Flemish Community grant a helm with torse, crest, and mantling as well as a motto as external ornaments of the shield.

In the end of the 17th century, an attempt was made to list all arms in Armorial général as a device to increase tax revenue.

When the attempt failed, in order to force people to pay tax, arms were given to many burghers who had never had them.

This privilege was also shared by certain people who enjoyed the same standing as the nobility, e.g. those who had a doctor's title in law or theology.

[13] Although the rule of the use of the tilting helmet by burghers was not always obeyed, it has still become the norm in many countries of the German-Nordic heraldic tradition, e.g. in Swedish heraldry.

Such family heraldry is still alive in Germany and burgher arms are protected by law.