The Peavey coat of arms includes the basic elements: the classic shield, the lion crest, and the motto, but also includes the helmet, the wreath and the mantle. Each of these elements and colors were chosen as symbols for the family. For more information regarding coats of arms: www.fleurdelis.com.The blue represents truth and loyalty, and the silver (or pewter!) represents peace and sincerity. The red is for the warrior or martyr. It represents military strength or a courageous spirit. The gold represents generosity and elevation of the mind. The crest is the portion of the coat of arms that appears above the helmet. The lion in the Peavey crest represent dauntless courage. The helmet was included for identifying rank. It depends on the time period and the artist for the meaning, but the helmet in this case may mean the knight was a member of the chevalier, or the lowest rank of the French nobility.The Peavey shield is primarily blue, but two scarves or bands had been added as rewards for service. The chief is the band across the top one third of the shield signifies dominion and authority. It was often granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom or successful command in war. The bend or strip across the shield was a scarf or shield suspender given to a knight commander and signifies defense or protection.The three crosses in the chief are possibly the cross fitchee which is theThe annulet or finger ring in the bend represent fidelity. The meaning of twelve is unknown. Possibly, fidelity 12 months of the year!The Peavey motto is "Deo Non Fortuna" which is Latin for God, not Fortune. This knight's focus was obviously on his Creator and to have all that he did to glorify him, while he forsook the pursuit of fortune. He trusted in his Lord to provide his needs.
When a coat of arms was passed from on generation to the next, the son very often would alter the shield to bear something unique to his life. The majority of the original shield remains. The blue and pewter colors were kept to remind us to be truthful, loyal and sincere. The twelve annulets remind us to remain faithful throughout the year. The chief and bend are to keep us ever pressing forward and strive to be a leader in our service. Lastly, the three cross fitchees were difficult to see and were replaced with the mullet, or five-pointed star, in the chief. This was the typical symbol for the third son in the family, which James is the third of three boys. We do not deny our faith in our Lord by removing the cross fitchee, but hope to show our faith more prominently in our motto and in our actions.
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