Leuchtenberg

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

LEUCHTENBERG

State : Bayern
District (Kreis) : Neustadt an der Waldnaab (until 1973 Vohenstrauss)
Additions : 1972 Lerau; 1976 Döllnitz (1946 Preppach, Woppenrieth); 1978 Michldorf

Official blazon

Geviert mit silbernem Herzschild, darin ein blauer Balken; 1 und 4 in Rot ein goldener Eichenzweig mit Eichel, 2 und 3 in Gold eine grüne Hopfenranke.

Origin/meaning

The arms are based on the seal of the town, dating from 1575.

The escutcheon is the original arms of the Counts of Leuchtenberg, who ruled part of the Oberpfalz area in the 13^th century. In the 15^th century they were granted the title of Prince, but became extinct in 1646. The oldest seal, known since the 15^th century only showed a quartered shield with the oak leaves and a trefoil in the second and third quarter. In 1575 the escutcheon was added and the trefoil was replaced by a branch of hops. The trefoils are, however, still sometimes used. The meaning of the branches and leaves is not known.