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Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) German Civic Heraldry

SACHSEN-ALTENBURG

Origin/meaning:

The Duchy of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha was created in 1826 when the old dynasty of Sachsen-Gotha became extinct. One of the four newly formed duchies was Sachsen-Altenburg, all four duchies, however, were ruled by different branches of the Wettin dynasty.

The arms show the so-called small arms of the Duchy.
The first quarter shows the arms of the County of Altenburg. The County Altenburg became a possession of the Wettin family in 1328.
The second quarter shows the arms of the Eisenberg Estate. The area was ruled by a different branch of the Wettin family, the Lords of Sachsen-Eisenberg, but it still belonged to Sachsen-Gotha (-Altenburg).
The third quarter shows the arms of the County Orlamünde. Orlamünde became a possession of the family in 1344.
The fourth the arms of the Estate of Pleissen. This was originally a much larger territory, of which the County of Altenburg was part. It became a possession of the Wettin family in 1328.
The escutcheon shows the arms of Sachsen proper.

The four quarters covered the largest part of the newly formed duchy in 1826.

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