Potsdam

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

POTSDAM

State : Brandenburg
Urban District (Stadtkreis) : Potsdam
Additions : 1935 Bornim, Bornstedt, Eiche, Nedlitz; 1939 Babelsberg (1938 Nowawes), Drewitz, Bergholz-Rehbrücke (until 1952, since 2003 Nuthetal), Geltow (until 1952, since 2002 Schwielowsee), Wildpark-West (until 1952, since 2002 Schwielowsee), Golm, Grube, Schlänitzsee, Nattwerder, Fahrland, Neu Fahrland, Krampnitz, Sacrow; 1993 Eiche, Grube; 2003 Fahrland, Golm, Groß Glienicke, Marquardt, Neu Fahrland, Satzkorn, Uetz-Paaren

Official blazon

In Gold ein linkssehender, schwarzbewehrter golden gerauteter roter Adler. Den oberen Schildrand ziert eine gewölbte fünfzinnige rote Mauerkrone.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted in 1957 and again on April 27, 1994.

Potsdam was already an important town in the 10^th century, which became a possession of the Counts of Brandenburg in the 12^th century. The city rights were granted either at the end of the 13th or early in the 14^th century. The city gradually became an important city in Brandenburg.

The arms show the eagle of Brandenburg. The city has always used the eagle of Brandenburg in arms and seals. The oldest seal is known from 1450, but is older as judged from the style. The colours are known since 1753, but most likely have been the same since its foundation.

Seal from around 1450 (source)

The arms on a trade card from 1928

The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925

Literature : Benzig et al, 1985; Hupp, O: Kaffee Hag albums, 1920s