heraldic standard

An heraldic standard is a type of flag, containing heraldic devices and is used for personal identification. Unlike the heraldic banner, which is simply the shield of the coat of arms on a rectangular flag, the design and use of the standard is more regulated.

Use

A banner of arms denotes the presence of the armiger. The standard developed as a headquarters flag, i.e. shows the rallying point for the owners troops and followers, thus it does not denote the armiger's presence.

Design

The standard shows the owner’s badge and motto, and possibly a national symbol or, more rarely, the owner's personal arms. It is edged in the owner’s livery colours.

Size and shape

A standard is not rectangular. It tapers, usually from 120 cm down to 60 cm and the fly edge is rounded (lanceolate). In England any armiger who has been granted a badge is entitled to fly a standard. In Scotland a standard requires a separate grant by the Lord Lyon. Such a grant is only made if certain conditions are met. The length of the standard depends upon one’s noble rank.^[1]

**Scottish Standards**
Rank	Standard Length
The Sovereign	7½ metres
Dukes	6½ metres
Marquises	6 metres
Earls	5½ metres
Viscounts	5 metres
Lords of Parliament	4½ metres
Baronets	4 metres
Knights and Feudal Barons	3½ metres^[1]

Related flags

Guidon

This is a similar shape to the Standard and is 2.40 metres long. They are assigned by the Lord Lyon to those individuals who qualify for a grant of supporters to their Arms and to other individuals who have a following such as individuals who occupy a position of leadership or a long-term official position commanding the loyalty of more than a handful of people. The Guidon tapers to a round, unsplit end at the fly.^[1]

Pennon

This is similar in design to the Guidon but half its length, ie 120 centimetres. It tapers either to a point or to a rounded end as the owner chooses. It is assigned by the Lord Lyon to any armiger who wishes to apply for it.^[1]

Pinsel

Is triangular in shape, 60 centimetres high at the hoist and 135 centimetres in width tapering to a point, This is the flag denoting a person to whom a Clan Chief has delegated authority for a particular occasion, such as a Clan Gathering when the Chief is absent. This flag is allotted only to Chiefs or very special Chieftain-Barons for practical use, and only upon the specific authority of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Lord Lyon King of Arms. Further Guidance on Flags…. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.

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