Page 393 - J. C. Turner - History and Science of Knots

Heraldic Knots 387

and twisted; if the twist is in the opposite direction (20), a non-alternating
knot is formed; an apparently similar non-knot (21) has other crossings. A
plain Overhand Knot (22) yields a similar non-knot (23), or, if the belly of
the knot is twisted over the spine, another knot (24) is formed, superficially
similar to the Figure Eight, which is itself (18) also used; unlike the previous
two, this last is an alternating knot.

18 19 20 21 22

V

26 27 28 29 30 31
Fig. 2. Lacs d'Amour
Knots (18-24) have all been seen several times each; the following knots,
still called lacs d'amour, have been seen only once. The Reef Knot ([1], #1402)
is used as a lacs d'amour despite being non-alternating, while the alternating
Granny Knot ([1], #1405) does not seem to be. What appears to be (26) an
attempt at a Carrick Bend ([1], #1428), is in fact a non-knot. Knot (27) is
similar to Anne of Bohemia's knot (Fig. 7, 83), and knot (28) is similar to
the Bowen Knot (Fig. 6, 68). Knot (30) is a sort of Double Figure of Eight
Knot, listed (#585) but not named by Ashley [1]. Neither the symmetrical
knot (29), nor the asymmetrical (31) are mentioned in Ashley. All the knots
27-31 are alternating.

Some other Heraldic Knots on the Shield

Fig. 3 shows a variety of other heraldic knots sometimes used as charges. Knots
(39) and (43) are both labelled entrelacs (interlaced designs) by Rietstap [24],
and are given as charges; the precise knots used in (43) cannot be distinguished.
The purse of state (32), with its cords variously knotted has been seen as a
charge and borne on supporters [3]. The Pretzel Knot (40) ([1], #2283), also
known to some heralds as the Chinese Knot, is listed as a nowed hatband in
the 1604 arms of the Company of Feltmakers [15], but Elvin (9] shows (41) as
a hatband and (42) as a nowed hatband; (41) would look more attractive as
an alternating knot. I have only seen (33) as a crest called a wrestling collar
[11]. In the form shown it is similar to the Whatknot ([1], #1208, #1406,
#2579); I have no idea how wrestlers used it.
A number of objects in heraldry are shown suspended from a cord; the
`stringed buglehorn' (10) is the commonest. Sometimes the `string' is shown