Reykjavík
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REYKJAVÍK
Additions : 1998 Kjalarneshreppur
Official blazon
Origin/meaning
The arms were designed in 1951 and officially adopted by the city of Reykjavík on June 6, 1957.
The arms show the throne pillars of Ingolfr Árnarson, the first permanent settler of Iceland. After his banishment form Norway, he decided to settle in Iceland. After reaching the coast he threw his throne pillars in the sea and swore to built his home on the spot where the pillars would drift ashore. He found his pillars in the second summer in Iceland on the spot of the present Reykjavík. He thus founded the city.
Until 1957 the city used a simple seal showing a fisherman (see image below). This seal was designed for the town in 1815. Reykjavík had received town status in 1786.
The old seal of Reykjavík
The arms on the city hall (2015)
The arms on the city
The arms on a manhole cover (source)
Stamp issued 1961
Stamp issued 1961
The story of the pillars on a 1974 coin
(image from auction site)
The arms on a Dutch Willem II cigar band
The arms on a Dutch VéGé silk
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© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink 
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Literature : Image obtained from the Icelandic Association of Municipalities (Samband Íslenzkra Svetarfélaga) and http://reykjavik.is/skjaldarmerki-reykjavikur