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Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) German Civic Heraldry

KALKAR

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
District (Kreis) : Kleve
Additions : 1969 Altkalkar, Appeldorn, Bylerward, Emmericher Eyland, Grieth, Hanselaer, Hönnepel, Neulouisendorf, Niedermörmter, Wissel, Wisselward

Origin/meaning:
Kalkar became a city early in the 13^th century and was walled around 1250. The oldest known seal, dating from the 14^th century, shows a castle, with on the middle tower the arms of the counts of Kleve, the city was part of the county of Kleve. The old arms of Kleve were a red shield with a white escutcheon. Later seals show on the tower arms like the present one, except that the towers are replaced by roses. The towers do not appear until the 15^th century. The small towers finally replaced the main castle behind the shield. The arms thus did not change since the 15^th century. In the 17^th century and later a knight was often used as a supporter for the arms, but in 1974 when the arms were officially granted, the supporter was omitted.

The addition of the 11 municipalities in 1969 did not change the historical arms, as none of these municipalities used arms.

Literature : Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes.

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