Hamm

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

HAMM

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
Urban District (Kreisfreie Stadt) : Hamm
Additions : 1939 Mark; 1968 Berge, Westtünen, Wiescherhöfen; 1974 Bockum-Hövel (1934, Bockum, Hövel), Heessen, Pelkum (1968 Herringen, Lerche, Sandbochum, Weetfeld), Rhynern (1968 Amt Rhynern (partly), Allen, Freiske, Hilbeck (1975 to Werl), Osterflierich, Osttünnen, Süddinker, Wambeln), Uentrop (1968 Braam-Ostwennemar (partly), Frielinghausen, Haaren, Norddinker, Schmehausen, Vöckinghausen, Werries)

Origin/meaning

Hamm was founded in 1226 by Adolf I, Count of the Mark, and later became the capital of the County of the Mark. In 1263 the village received city rights and from the same time dates the oldest seal. This seal shows a castle on a hill, on which the lion of the arms of the Counts of the Mark is placed. Around 1275 the arms of the Counts was changed to the chequered bar. The city subsequently started to use the new arms in its seals since 1297. The new arms became known as the 'small arms' of the city until 1875, when it became the official arms. The arms were reconfirmed in 1909 and 1934.

Between 1297 and 1875 the city also used the 'large arms', which were a combination of the old castle and lion on the left half of the shield and the bar in the right half.

Seal from around 1900

The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925

Literature : Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes.