Vilshofen an der Donau
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) |
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VILSHOFEN AN DER DONAU
State : Bayern
District (Kreis) : Passau (until 1973 Vilshofen)
Additions : 1972 Aunkirchen; 1978 Alkofen, Pleinting, Sandbach (partly), Zeitlarn
Official blazon
Schräg geteilt; oben waagrechte bayerische Rauten, unten in Rot ein schreitender silberner Panter.
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on September 24, 1956.
The arms are a combination of the panther of the Spanheim family and the diamonds of Bayern. The Counts of Spanheim founded the city in 1206, but already in 1241 the city became part of Bayern. The combination first appears in the seal from 1434, and the arms have basically not changed since. The only difference is that from the 16th century until 1956 the panther was officially described as a lion, from 1830 as a crowned lion, see below.
When the present arms were granted in 1956 the panther was restored. Presently the city uses an angel behind the shield as supporter. This angel is not officially granted.
 The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
 The arms with an angel supporter |
Literature : Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes; Hupp, O: Kaffee Hag albums, 1920s