Appearing throughout the text are a number of abbreviations which require explanation here.
Where a number appears in brackets behind, for example, a mullet or an estoille this indicates the number of points or rays appearing on the mullet or estoille. Thus A mullet (5) indicates a mullet of five points.
Where a number or series of numbers appear after a given number of charges this is to indicate the position of the charges on the shield. For example, if a shield is blazoned Argent, five escutcheons azure (2,1,2) it means that the five escutcheons are positioned on the shield in three rows; the first of two shields, the second of one only, and the third of two shields.
Where a name appears in brackets behind the surname or title by which an individual has been listed this usually indicates that that individual was known by a secondary estate name, usually as a younger person. Thus the Chevalier (later Vicomte) de Châteaubriand was known as Monsieur de Combourg during his earlier expeditions in America in the 1790s because his father had purchased the estate and title of Comte de Combourg.
The sources given for the arms in this Roll of Arms are self-explanatory in most cases where, for example, they represent primary source evidence such as seals or portraits. Where this is not the case there simply appears the name of the author of the secondary source from whence the arms are taken. The full reference for the secondary source is given in the 'List of Abbreviations' (above). No page numbers have been provided as most of the secondary sources are arranged alphabetically.
All illustrations contained within this work are the personal property of the author and may not be reproduced without the author's prior consent.