Nordhorn
 |
Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) |
|
NORDHORN
State : Niedersachsen
District (Kreis) : Grafschaft Bentheim
Additions : 1921 Frensdorf; 1929 Altendorf, Bakelde, Frenswegen; 1974 Bimolten, Bookholt, Brandlecht, Hesepe, Hestrup, Hohenkörben, Klausheide
Origin/meaning
Nordhorn received city rights in 1379 from Bernd, Count of Bentheim. The arms are a combination of the arms of Bentheim with the golden balls, and a canting horn.
The arms already appear on the oldest known seal of the city, dating from the 15th century. In the 18th century two lions were used as supporters, but these are no longer used.
The present arms are slightly different, in that the number of balls has been reduced from 17 to 13, to distinguish the arms more from the arms of the county of Bentheim. Otherwise the arms have not changed since the 15th century.
 Seal from around 1900 |
 Seal from around 1900 |
 The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
Literature : Stadler,1964-1971, 8 volumes; Ahrens, 1891