chamber piece

Given the martial nature of the origins of Heraldry, in the identification of knights and men-at-arms it can come as no surprise that mediaeval weaponry of all types are frequently to be found in a coat of arms Boutell’s Heraldry, J.P. Brooke-Little, Warne, (revised Edition) London 1970, P 89. The cannon is depicted as we might expect, if mounted the carraige may be a different colour. A Glossary of Terms used in British Heraldry, J.H. Parker, Oxford, 1894, Entry:Guns We need look no further than the military connection for any meaning in this device.Chamber piece is simply an alternative name for the barrel of a cannon