Mole (Period)

The mole is a burrowing beast, described as blind in medieval bestiaries; it was considered the archetype of secrecy (since it labors underground).  It was also called a “moldiwarp” [Franklyn 232].  The mole is a period charge, dating from c.1480 in the arms of Metford [DBA2 296].  From the examples in Guillim, 1632 [211], and Parker [411], it would seem that the mole’s default posture is tergiant fesswise, as in the illustration; for Society purposes, it’s probably best to be explicit.

Elizabeth Carpenter of Rye bears:  Argent, a mole tergiant descending proper within a bordure vert.

Andrew of York bears:  Barry azure and argent, a mole rampant sable.