Crab (Period)

Lobster (Period)

The crab is a squat-bodied crustacean, with a reputation for irritability.  Heraldically, it’s classed as a type of fish.  It’s found in the arms of Bryger or Bridger, c.1470 [DBA2 338], and the canting arms (Italian granchio) of de Grangis d’Ast, mid-15^th C. [Triv 166].  The crab was also the canting badge of Scrope, 1415, the crab being called a “scrap” in northern England [Hope2; also HCE xxviii].

Similar to the crab are the “lobster” and the “crayfish” (or “crevice”, from the French écrevisse):  biologically distinct (living in saltwater and fresh water, respectively), they are indistinguishable for heraldic purposes.  The lobster or crayfish is found as early as 1413, in the arms of Weiss [Conz.Const. cliiii], and in the canting arms (Italian gambero) of de Gambara, mid-15^th C. [Triv 157].  It’s usually drawn with a longer body than the crab.  However, there are instances in period armory of “crabs” (known to be such because of a cant) drawn with lobster-like tails; no difference is therefore granted between these crustaceans.

Also found in period armory is the “prawn”, similar to crayfish but without the claws; it’s found in the arms of Sea or Atsea, 1632 [Guillim2 241].  All of these crustaceans are tergiant by default, with their heads or claws to chief.  See also scorpion.

Mór Ruadh bears:  Gules, a crab Or.

Raymond Crus Hummer bears:  Argent, a lobster gules.

Eckhardt zu Westfilde bears:  Gules, two crayfish and on a base Or, a compass star gules, in chief a label of five points overall Or.

Jean Oste de Murat bears:  Azure, a chevron argent between two prawns haurient respectant and a fleur-de-kys Or.