Schärding
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Austria - Österreichische Gemeindewappen |
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SCHÄRDING
State : Oberösterreich
District : Schärding
Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on November 21, 1960.
The oldest known use of the arms dates from a document from October 1, 1386. The document shows a shield similar to the present arms, but with the whole upper half chequered and no pales. The chequered field was supposedly derived from the arms of Bayern, and when Schärding became part of Austria the upper half was replaced by the pales of Oberösterreich. This composition was still used in the early 19th century.
Another composition appeared in the late 18th century, with arms similar to the present arms, but with the imperial eagle on the chequered field. These arms were also used later during the 19th century. The eagle was removed in 1960.
The chequered field and the pales symbolise Austria; the black and gold of the Habsburg Emperors and the pales for Upper Austria. The lower half shows a pair of scissors in the colours of Bayern. The scissors are likely a canting element (from Scheren or to klip).
 The arms in the Coffee Hag album +/- 1932 |
Literature : Baumert, H.E. : Oberösterreichische Gemeindewappen, Linz, 1996.