Wittlich
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Country : Germany  State : Rheinland-Pfalz  District (Kreis) : Bernkastel-Wittlich (until 1969 Wittlich)  Additions:
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| German | In rotem Feld parallel nebeneinander zwei aufrecht, mit dem Schlüsselbart nach oben voneinander abgekehrte silberne Schlüssel mit übereinander gelegten Griffen, wobei der linke über dem rechten angeordnet ist. |
| English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
Wittlich received city rights in 1291 and belonged until 1794 to the State of Trier.
A key placed bendwise appears for the first time on a small seal of the city dating from the early 14th century. The design was not changed until the French occupation. During the French occupation, the seal showed the French eagle. Between +/- 1810 and 1815 the seals of the city showed the German eagle. From +/- 1820 the city seals and arms showed two keys, either partly crossing or separately. The keys were now placed vertically. These arms have remained in use.
The original colours are silver and red, the colours of the State of Trier. In the 19th century also the blue and silver of the Wittelsbach family appears, as the city then belonged to the Pfalz (the Wittelsbach family were Princes of the Pfalz). In the early 20th century the old arms were restored.
The keys are the symbol of St. Peter, patron saint of Trier.
In the early 20th century the arms below were shown in the Kaffee Hag albums, in different colours.
Seal from 1333
Seal from around 1900
The arms by Hupp in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925
Postal cancellation
The arms in an album from 1968
Literature: Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes; Kaffee Hag albums 1920s.
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