Altena (Märkischer Kreis)

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

ALTENA

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
District (Kreis) : Märkischer Kreis (1969-1975 Lüdenscheid, before 1969 Altena)
Additions : 1969 Dahle, Evingsen, Lüdenscheid-Land (partly)

Origin/meaning

The arms are based on the old seal of the town, known since the 15^th century.

The chequered bar is derived from the arms of the Counts of (Altena-)Mark, who granted the village some privileges in 1367. The town became a city only in the 18^th century.
Saint Catherine is the patron saint of the local church, built in 1310.

Seal from around 1900

The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925

Literature : Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes; Hupp, O: Kaffee Hag albums, 1920s