Lauffen am Neckar
LAUFFEN AM NECKAR
State : Baden-Württemberg
District (Kreis) : Heilbronn
| German | In Silber ein grüngekleideter schreitender Bote („Läufer“) mit roten Schuhen, in der erhobenen Rechten einen rotgesiegelten silbernen Brief, in der Linken einen rotgeschäfteten Spieß mit blauer Spitze tragend. |
| English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
Lauffen was founded by the Counts of Lauffen, who became extinct in 1220. Nevertheless, the oldest known seal, dating from the mid 13th century, still shows the eagle of the Counts of Lauffen. A second seal only shows the arms of Baden as the city belonged to Baden until 1346.
The next seal, dating from around 1450, shows for the first time the walking messager. This is most likely a canting symbol (Läufer or messager/runner). The figure remained in the seals and arms of the city ever since. The letter in its right hand appeared only in 1593. The colours are known since 1575.
 The arms in the Chorographia Württemberg (Wolleber, 1591) |
 Seal from around 1900 |
 The arms by Hupp in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
Literature: Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. 1964-1971; Bardua, 1987