The Davidson arms were matriculated on 12 April 1906 by Lord Lyon and are blazoned (laid out) as:  "Argent (Silver); on a fess Azure (Blue Bar)  between a dexter hand couped accompanied by two pheons in chief and a pheon in base Gules (Red) , a buck lodged Or (Gold).


As depicted below, a "coat of arms" consists of several parts: the shield, the mantling, the helm, the wreath, charges, and the crest (note that not all arms have crests). The official, written description of the coat of arms is called the "blazon of arms." The blazon may seem like a foreign language, but it is simply a system of code words to denote colors, placement, and styling by using an economy of words.

Much of the printed design for a given coat of arms is more the artist's preference or the style of a particular herald, and not a part of any particular blazon. The mantling and the banners for names and mottoes, for example, are not an official element of the blazon of arms. The helm, likewise, is not a part of the official blazon.

 

Elements of a Coat of Arms for Davidson

 

Shield

 

The colors and charges (stag, hand, and pheons that appear on the shield) are a part of the official blazon.

Fess (blue bar): Means for "one who sets the bar of conscience, religion and honor against angry passions.

Silver or White (Argent): Peace and sincerity.

Azure or blue: Loyalty and truth.

 

Charges: These elements go on the shield.

 

 

Pheon or spearhead

Means dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle.

 
 

Stag

One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony.

 

Dexter Hand

Usual mark for a baronet if borne on a small escutcheon.

 

 

Crest

Also a part of the official blazon, the crest is whatever appears above the helm.

 

 

Helm

Not a part of the official blazon, the helmet varies with the bearer's rank, the century represented, or the herald or artist's preference.

 

 

 

Wreath

Not a part of the official blazon, the wreath usually consists of the primary color and metal.

 

Mantle/Mantling

Not a part of the official blazon (except that sometimes the colors are specified), the design varies with the herald or artist's preference. This is said to represent the cloth that hung from the wreath and protected the back of the head and neck, even though it may often be depicted more like the leaves of a plant.