Schwerte

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SCHWERTE

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
District (Kreis) : Unna (until 1975 Iserlohn)
Additions : 1975 Amt Ergste (partly), Amt Westhofen, Ergste Geisecke, Villigst, Wandhofen, Westhofen

Official blazon

(de)

Origin/meaning

Schwerte received city rights in 1242 from Count Adolf I of the Mark. The oldest known seal dates from 1427, but it probably dates from 1397 when the city rights were confirmed. It already shows the two crossed swords, a canting symbol (Schwerter=swords). Ever since two swords have been on the seals and the arms of the city.

The colours, however, have changed regularly; until 1909 it was most often shown as black swords on blue. From 1911-19437 as black on silver (see below) and since 1947 as above. These colours were derived from a fresco found in the St. Victorchurch, which dates from the 15^th century.