In English and Irish heraldry, all persons descended in the legitimate male line from a common armigerous ancestor inherit and bear his arms. Nevertheless, it is the essence of heraldry, that armorial bearings should be distinctive not only of the family as a whole, but also of its several branches and individual members. To render the common arms of a family distinctive of its various branches and members, a method was developed, which was termed "differencing for cadency."

Differences, or marks of cadency, are the distinctions used to indicate the various branches or cadets of one family.

The Following Marks Are Used By The Sons On Their Family Arms:

1. The Eldest Son has the label
2. Second Son has a crescent
3. Third Son has a molet
4. Fourth Son has a martlet
5. The Fifth Son has an amulet
6. The Sixth Son has a fleur-de-lis
7. The Seventh Son has a rose
8. The Eighth Son has a cross moline
9. The Ninth Son has a double quatrefoil

These markings are placed at the top of the shield in the Middle Chief point on the shield (see Shield for points). They only remain on the shield while the "father" is still living. Often the Label marking extends the whole width of the shield.

Although these symbols are common, they are not always used. Often the sons (for the exception of the eldest son) choose to change some part of the coat of arms rather than placing a mark of cadency on their shield.