Elsoff

ELSOFF

State : Rheinland-Pfalz
District (Kreis) : Westerwaldkreis (until 1974 Oberwesterwaldkreis)
Verbandsgemeinde : Verbandsgemeinde Rennerod

Official blazon
German	In Blau ein goldener Krummstab gekreuzt mit einem silbernen Schwert.
English	blazon wanted

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on ?-? -1971.

There are four different 17th and 18th century seals known of Elsoff, the oldest from the first quarter of the 17th century. All show the same design, a bishop holding a crosier and standing behind two small shields with a lion. The two shields are most likely the coats of arms of Nassau (as in two seals there are indications of the billets that are part of the Nassau arms), and of Hessen.

Elsoff became a possession of the counts of Nassau in 1337 and in 1479 of Hessen. From 1557-1803 it was jointly ruled by Nassau and Hessen, explaining the two shields.On two seals the bishop is also holding a sword. This may be an indication that the bishop may represent both patron saints of the local church (St.Peter as bishop, St. Paul with the sword). In 1956 the above arms were designed with only the crosier and sword for the two saints in the main colours of Nassau and Hessen. These arms were granted in 1971.

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