Jerkin (Accepted)

A jerkin is a close-fitting jacket, generally sleeveless and hip-length, worn as an item of clothing from the early 16^th Century.  Elizabethan jerkins were often richly decorated, but some jerkins (worn by soldiers rather than courtiers) were made of leather (a “buff jerkin”) or quilted cloth.  Although a period artifact, we’ve no examples of the jerkin’s use in period heraldry per se.  However, the “slashed doublet”, long-sleeved and buttoned down the front, is found in the canting arms (Italian giubbone, dial. zupone) of Zupponi, c.1550 [BSB Cod.Icon 275:71].

A related charge, the “pelisson”, a fur-trimmed outer garment from the 12^th and 13^th Centuries, is found in the canting arms (Italian pelliccione) of de Pilizonis, mid-15^th C. [Triv 276].

The jerkin is affronty by Society default.  See also cuirass.

Bébhinn le Cuilter bears:  Vert, a sewing needle bendwise sinister, eye to base argent, overall a quilted jerkin Or, all within a bordure argent.

Elaine Howys of Morningthorpe bears as a badge:  A jerkin per pale gules and Or.