Salzkotten
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) |
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SALZKOTTEN
State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
District (Kreis) : Paderborn (until 1975 Büren)
Additions : 1975 Amt Salzkotten-Boke (partly), Mantinghausen, Niederntudorf, Oberntudorf, Scharmede, Schwelle, Thüle, Upsprunge, Verlar, Verne
Origin/meaning :
The arms were officially granted on March 2, 1908 and again on December 9, 1976.
Salzkotten received city rights in 1247 from Simon, Bishop of Paderborn. The oldest seal dates from the same time and shows the Bishop of Paderborn and the Archbishop of Köln, as Lords of the city. When the rule of Köln was ended in 1295, only one Bishop remained in the seals.
In the early 17th century suddenly the arms with the trefoil and St. John Baptist as supporter, appear on the seals. The origin of the trefoil is unknown. It may simply be a local symbol, but it has also been stated that it is derived from the cross of Paderborn or from three (salt-)miner's tools. Salt mining historically was very important. Prior to 1908, when the present colours were officially granted, the trefoil was green on a golden field.
 Seal of Salzkotten from 1634 (Source:Wikipedia) |
 The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
Literature : Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes; Kaffee Hag Albums, 1920s