An unusual shape for an heraldic, this intaglio was the cause of much puzzlement at BMHQ. Don’t get us wrong, we love a puzzle. We do. But we also find it blummin’ frustrating, especially when the answer isn’t immediately obvious.

The dogs we get. Greyhounds are representative of loyalty, courage and protection. A breed favoured for their prestige and nobility. Once a greyhound sets its sight on something, it chases it relentlessly. All sleek and elegance.

Throw in the motto virtute et numine (with virtue and divine will), or the more liberal translation of ‘grit and grace’, and the meaning of the intaglio is revealed. Whatever your goal in life, pursue it with gracious determination.

So why the puzzle? It’s the damned whatsit the greyhound it perched on. The same thingamajig that’s turned on its side and squeezed between the two doggo heads in profile. You know, the do da. The rectangle flanked by two sideward Vs. Or are they chevrons? And therein lies the problem. Turns out search engines aren’t that helpful if you don’t know what you’re describing.

We tried various explanations. We looked up symbols. We considered religious iconography. And just when we thought we might be defeated, we found it! A millrind. And if you’re wondering what the Fanny Adams a millrind is, then wonder no more.

A millrind is an iron support, fixed over the hole in the upper millstone in a grist mill, innit?! The iron struts that hold the millstone together. Identified as a symbol for judges and magistrates in the 16^th century by the writer, Bossewell – for those who keep people on the straight and narrow. In the same way a millrind does with a millstone.

Find your direction in life. Go after your dreams. But not at the cost of others.

Be courteous and respectful in your endeavours.

Always be the best version of yourself.