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Robe of Estate
One of the most outstanding and distinctive of the heraldic prerogatives is the Scottish feudo-baronial mantle or robe of estate.
The portrait (below) of the seventeenth century Sir James Colquhoun of Luss shows him wearing his robes as Scottish Feudal baron.
The feudo-baronial mantle is described in Letters Patent as 'Gules doubled of silk Argent, fur-edged of miniver and collar Ermine, and fastened on the right shoulder by five spherical buttons Or'.
  
For heraldic purposes this may be displayed draped behind the baron’s complete achievement of arms (or the armorial shield alone), tied open with cords and tassels and surmounted by the chapeau. It is more impressive in this position than beneath the helm.
In this pavilioned form, the arms of a baron are considered by many artists to be seen at their best, and since the mantle is not granted by the English Kings of Arms, the achievement displayed in this way is particularly Scottish in character. It is based on the robes of parliament. It is shown above, right.
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