Kulmbach
KULMBACH
State : Bayern
District (Kreis) : Kulmbach
Additions : 1902 Blaich; 1946 Kauernburg, Mangersreuth, Metzdorf; 1972 Burghaig; 1974 Höferänger; 1976 Katschenreuth, Kirchleus, Leuchau, Lehental, Lösau, Melkendorf, Oberdornlach
| German | Gespalten; vorne geviert von Silber und Schwarz; hinten in Blau oben ein herschauender, rot bewehrter silberner Löwe, unten ein rot bewehrter silberner Adler. |
| English | No blazon/translation known. Please click here to send your (heraldic !) blazon or translation |
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on June 3, 1922.
Kulmbach most probably was granted city rights in the 13th century. In 1397 it became the main seat of the (Hohen)Zollern family, one of the most powerful dynasties in Germany. The right part of the arms (the quartered field) shows the arms of this family. The left part shows the eagle and lion taken from the arms of the counts of Andechs-Meranien.
The arms as such are known since 1569, with the present colours. In the 17th-19th century the colours often changed, making the quarters blue and white and the lion red on black.
 The arms in a 16th century manuscript |
 The arms by Tyroff (1835) |
 The municipal stamp shown in 1892 |
 Seal from around 1900 |
 Seal from around 1900 |
 Seal from around 1925 |
 The new arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
 The old arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
 The arms in the Abadie albums |
 The arms in the Deutsches Wappenmuseum |
 The arms on a manhole cover |
Literature: Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes; Hupp, O: Kaffee Hag albums, 1920s