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Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)
German Civic Heraldry
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HAMBURG
State : Hamburg
Additions : 1937 Altenwerder, Altona, Bergedorf, Bergstedt, Billstedt, Bramfeld, Cranz, Curslack, Duvenstedt, Finkenwerder (partly), Fischbek, Francop, Gut Moor, Harburg-Wilhelmsburg (1927 Harburg, Wilhelmsburg), Hummelsbüttel, Langenbeck, Lemsahl-Mellingstedt, Lohbrügge, Lokstedt, Marmstorf, Neuenfelde, Neugraben, Neuland, Poppenbüttel, Preußisch Kirchwerder, Rahlstedt, Rönneburg, Sasel, Sinstorf, Steilshoop Wandsbek, Wellingsbüttel
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. 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. The only municipality is Hamburg, after the merger of 33 municipalities in 1937.
The present arms of Hamburg for daily use (middle and small arms)
The great arms from around 1900
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.
The seal of Hamburg in 1245.
As far as known the colours have always been a silver castle on a red shield. In Napoleonic times the colours were inverted (a red castle on a silver shield), as the addition of a red head with the golden bees (the symbol of a city of the first order) did not fit with a red shield.
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. The whole arms as they are now were first used officially in 1695 and were officially granted in 1835.
  
Seals of Hamburg around 1900
Literature : Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes.
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coats of arms on-line ! 
