I have been looking through some of the earlier Thomson arms and I notice that a number have a similar crest showing a "branch of palm".
“A branch of palme proper” - George Thomson of Maynes, 1672
“A crane holding in its beak a twig of palm proper” - Andrew Thomson, Advocate, (Aberdeen), 1680
“A crane holding in its beak a twig of palm proper” - Andrew Thomson, Merchant, Portlithen, Kincardine, 1735
“A crane holding in its beak a twig of palm proper” – Thompson of Banchory, 1756
“A branch of palm proper” James Thomson of Wester-Bogie, 1811
Sadly I have not yet uncovered any reason why these Thom(p)son's decided to have a palm branch for their crest. I think all of these armigers lived in the East Coast of Scotland (Aberdeen area) and I doubt there are many palm trees to be found there...!
I presume there is a symbolic reason for the palm branch and certainly Palm branches seem to be associated with victory in ancient Rome and also in various religions including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The significance of the Crane is lost on me altogether and perhaps someone else will put this together..?
I wonder if these families are related as some share not only a similar crest but also similar mottos..? I am continuing to explore this idea.
Allan Thomson