Bergisch Gladbach

This page is part of the German heraldry portal Deutsche Wappensammlung	Heraldry of the World
German heraldry: National arms Arms of States Arms of historical territories and states Districts (Kreiswappen) Cities and municipalities German Colonies Ecclesiastical heraldry Military heraldry Corporate heraldry Studentika Other civic heraldry Total pages in the German section : 61,373 Of which images : 41,286	Selected collector's items from Germany: Heraldic postcards Heraldic stamps Heraldic albums Kaffee Hag albums Wappen-Sammlung Heraldic trade cards Arms, Flags and Types of Nations Heraldic coasters Heraldic cigar bands Heraldic artists Otto Hupp Münchener Kalender German heraldic literature

BERGISCH GLADBACH

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
District (Kreis) : Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis
Additions : 1975 Bensberg

Official blazon

(de)

Origin/meaning

The first (left) arms were granted in 1905, the second on April 6, 1977.

The arms were newly devised in 1905, as there were no old seals or arms known. The lion is taken from the arms of the Counts of Berg, as the city historically belonged to Berg. The colours (originally red on silver) were changed, according to the heraldic rule of tincture.

The wavy bar is the Strunde brook and is at the same time canting (Bach=brook).
The sheet of paper in the lower part of the first arms indicates the importance of the paper industry since 1582. The more recent metal industry is symbolised by the hammer held by the lion. After the merger with Bensberg, the sheet of paper was replaced by the deer's head from Bensberg. The hammer was also removed. The historical importance of Berg was emphasised by the addition of the bar, which is taken from the oldest arms of the Counts of Berg.