Caudebec Coat of Arms

The Caudebec Coat-of-Arms is a pointed, oval, azure two metal shield with an or (gold) embattled mural crown or crest.

Across the face of the shield are charges: Three argent finned smelts naiant, placed one above the other.

Near the point of the shield is an argent (silver) daisy (not appearing in this version).

From this, a wreath of or encircles the shield, reaching nearly to the crest.

On the sinister (left) side of the shield, this wreath is a laurel branch, on the dexter (right), an olive branch. On some of the Caudebec Coat-of-Arms, the laurel and the olive branches are crossed at or near the shield point, and are tied by a bow of ribbon.

The azure (sky blue), the royal color of the Bourbons, predominates in French shields, and denotes justice and loyalty.

The argent denotes purity

The or denotes stability and worth.

The smelts were peculiarly and pleasingly flavored fish, with pale green back, and silvery white lower part. It has been said that the presence of fish on Coat-of-Arms denoted a predominant occupation of an early period.

The olive and laurel denote peace and victory.

Crests were originally a device indicative of high honor, and were worn upon a helm. Later they were placed upon and attached to the shield. Its form and marking indicate a knight.

The emblems of the family later became the emblems of the town of Caudebec.

Pimbley's Dictionary of Heraldry  is one online source for definitions of some of the terms used on this page.