Schwäbisch Gmünd

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 : 61,370 Of which images : 41,283	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

SCHWÄBISCH GMÜND

State : Baden-Württemberg
District (Kreis) : Ostalbkreis (until 1973 Schwäbisch Gmünd)
Additions : 1938 Rehnenhof-Wetzgau; 1959 Bettringen; 1969 Herlikofen, Hussenhofen; 1971 Bargau, Degenfeld, Lindach, Weiler in den Bergen ; 1972 Grossdeinbach, Strassdorf; 1975 Rechberg

Official blazon
German	In Rot ein aufgerichtetes silbernes Einhorn.
English	Gmünd No blazon/translation known. Please click here to send your (heraldic !) blazon or translation

Origin/meaning

The city was founded around 1160 by the Staufen family, Dukes of Schwaben. In 1260 the city became a free imperial city until 1803.

The unicorn already appears on the first known seal of the city, dating from before 1250. Ever since the seals and arms of the city have shown the unicorn. The meaning or origin of the unicorn are not clear, however. The first coloured images show a golden unicorn, since the early 17^th century the unicorn is silver, sometimes still with a golden horn.