Hamburg

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Wappen von Hamburg/Arms (crest) of Hamburg

Large arms
Wappen von Hamburg/Arms (crest) of Hamburg

Middle arms
Wappen von Hamburg/Arms (crest) of Hamburg

Small arms
HAMBURG

Country : Germany
Germany.jpg


State : Hamburg
Additions:

  • 1937 Altenwerder
  • 1937 Altona
  • 1937 Bergedorf
  • 1937 Bergstedt
  • 1937 Billstedt
  • 1937 Bramfeld
  • 1937 Cranz
  • 1937 Curslack
  • 1937 Duvenstedt
  • 1937 Finkenwerder (partly)
  • 1937 Fischbek
  • 1937 Francop
  • 1937 Gut Moor
  • 1937 Harburg-Wilhelmsburg
  • 1937 Hummelsbüttel
  • 1937 Langenhorn
  • 1937 Lemsahl-Mellingstedt
  • 1937 Lohbrügge
  • 1937 Lokstedt
  • 1937 Marmstorf
  • 1937 Neuenfelde
  • 1937 Neugraben
  • 1937 Neuland
  • 1937 Poppenbüttel
  • 1937 Preußisch Kirchwerder
  • 1937 Rahlstedt
  • 1937 Rönneburg
  • 1937 Sasel
  • 1937 Sinstorf
  • 1937 Steilshoop
  • 1937 Wandsbek
  • 1937 Wellingsbüttel
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Origin/meaning

Hamburg developed around a small fortress, used by the people as a refuge in the early Middle Ages (6th-9th century). In 831 an Archishop of Hamburg was mentioned, in 835 already an Archbishop. It is not quite sure when the village became a city, probably in the early 12th century.
In 1188 the new-city or Neustadt was founded by Count Adolf of Schauenburg-Holstein. In 1215 the two cities were united under the counts of Holstein, and since 1461 the Kings of Denmark. Although the Kings of Denmark were the official overlords, the city was practically independent.

The oldest known seal dates from 1241, on which is shown a castle made of three towers. The cross on the middle tower as well as the two stars are already present. The middle tower could thus indicate the largest church, the Holy Mary Church. The stars are aslo a common symbol for the St. Mary. All other seals of the city show the castle, the shape, however, differs between the seals. On some smaller 13th -14th century seats the castle is standing on a river and the stars are replaced by a half-moon (crescent). The castle also appears on coins minted in the 13th century.

Image gallery

In 1510 the city became an Imperial city, in 1618 a free city (which Denmark did not recognize until 1768). In 1815 Hamburg joined the German Empire, and since 1919 it is one of the states of Germany.

In Napoleonic times the colours were inverted (a red castle on a silver shield), as the addition of a red chief with the golden bees (the symbol of a city of the first order) did not fit with a red shield.

Wappen von Hamburg/Coat of arms (crest) of Hamburg

Arms of Hamburg during Napoleonic times (granted 13-06-1811)

The whole arms as they are now were first used officially in 1695 and were officially granted in 1835. The only municipality is Hamburg, after the merger of 33 municipalities in 1937.

The helmet with the the feathers already appeared in the 16th century and are derived from the counts of Holstein. The lions appeared in the 17th century.

As far as known the colours have always been a silver castle on a red shield.

Image gallery

The arms in the city

(more images wanted, if you have an image of the arms in the city, please contact me):

Image gallery

The arms on coins of the city

(images from auction sites)

Image gallery

Literature: Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes; Gaedechens, 1855




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