This article about the Great Seal of the United States was published in 1840. It is written with the assumption that the reader is familiar with concepts and technical terms associated with heraldry. Heraldry involves, among other things, coats of arms. Those who enjoy working out puzzles might want to jump down and tear right into the article. The rest of us will review our knowledge of heraldry.

The term "dexter" indicates that something is on the right-hand side. (That truns out to be the left from the perspective of the viewer.) Dexter also indicates something similar to the concept of a good omen. The term "sinister" indicates the left-hand side, and something similar to the concept of a bad omen. The term "gules" simply means the color red. "Argent" means silver. "Azure" means blue. An "escutcheon" is a shield. When something is displayed "proper" it is represented in its natural form or colors. A "crest" is something that is usually placed above a shield. A "glory" can be a halo or any circle of light. "Zenith" refers to a highest point. "Chief" refers to the upper third of a shield. "Pale" refers to a vertical band forming the middle third of a shield. The basic heraldic devices are referred to as "ordinaries." —fadedpages.com

THE above engraving represents the two sides of the great seal of the United States, adopted by Congress. The following is its heraldic definition.

"ARMS.—Paleways of thirteen pieces, argent and gules, a chief azure; the escutcheon on the breast of the American bald eagle displayed proper, holding in his dexter talon an olive branch, and in his sinister, a bundle of thirteen arrows, all proper; and in his beak a scroll inscribed with this motto, 'E pluribus unum.'

"FOR THE CREST.—Over the head of the eagle, which appears above the escutcheon, a glory, or breaking through a cloud proper, and surrounding thirteen stars forming a constellation, argent, or an azure field.

"REVERSE.—A pyramid unfinished.

"In the zenith an eye in the triangle surrounded with a glory, proper. Over the eye these words, 'Annuit Cœptis.'

"On the base of the pyramid, the numerical letters, MDCCLXXVI, and underneath the following motto, 'Novus ordo seclorum.'

"REMARKS AND EXPLANATIONS OF THE DEVICE.—The escutcheon is composed of the chief and pale, the two most honorable ordinaries. The thirteen pieces paly represent the several states in the union, all joined in solid compact, entire, supporting a chief which unites the whole, and represents Congress. The motto alludes to this Union.

"The pales in the arms are kept closely united by the chief, and the chief depends on that union and the strength resulting from it, for its support, to denote the confederacy of the United States, and the preservation of the Union through Congress.

"The colors of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence, red hardiness and valor, and blue, the color of the chief, signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace and war, which is exclusively vested in Congress.

"The crest or constellation denotes a new state taking its place or rank among other sovereign powers.

"The escutcheon borne on the breast of an American eagle, without any other supporters, to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own virtue.

"The pyramid on the reverse signifies strength and duration.

"The eye over it, and the motto ('annuit cœptis,' 'he prospers our endeavors,') alludes to the many signal interpositions of Providence in favor of the American cause.

"The date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence, and the words under it signify the beginning of the New American Æra, which commences from that date."

Warning - This information has been transcribed from a source that is well over 100 years old. It may be incorrect or outdated in some cases. It is also possible that errors were made during the transcription process. This information is being made available for entertainment purposes only.