Horseshoe (heraldry)

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Horseshoe open down

The horseshoe is in heraldry a popular emblem figure .

It belongs to the common figure and is shown in coats of arms in two variants: With the opening to the base of the shield or the head of the shield . In the latter position which is horseshoe overthrown ( Padenstedt ) and is also described that way. It can be seen with grooves (folds), indicated toe caps and the rectangular nail holes. The number of holes is insignificant and is not mentioned in the blazon . In the coat of arms an object can also be attached to the horseshoe , often it is a cross or a crescent moon . Several irons in the coat of arms are possible. The preferred position in three pass is two over one, i.e. 2: 1. But 'covering' is also used, for example in Isernhagen .

It is widely known as a symbol of luck and a good luck charm . A horseshoe that is open at the top is a symbol for the devil's horns. If it is open at the bottom, the idea of ​​happiness falling out prevails. It has been known in the coat of arms since at least the 15th century. It embodied not only mining but also extensive horse breeding. It was also used as a house brand and on curb stones. An example is Büchig , a district of Bretten near Karlsruhe, where it was previously seen as a village sign and was to be found on the boundary stones.

Its importance as a treasure trove (contributions in kind) has certainly also contributed to the fact that the horseshoe has not lost its popularity. The horseshoe nail as a necessary means of attachment is also taken as a common figure, but is insignificant for heraldry . If the horseshoe and nail are shown together in the coat of arms, this must be indicated in the case of a different color of the nails. The heraldist speaks of the nailed horseshoe.

In the case of the heraldic animal ostrich , the horse shoe is given to the bird to hold in the beak, as in Vohenstrauss .

As a talking coat of arms ("iron") it is in the shield of Isny , a place in the Allgäu . Also Fessenheim or Bantzenheim in Alsace run it. Schliengen near the border with Switzerland also has the Basel staff in the vertically divided coat of arms . The crest Proskaus multiple combined jumping deer with horseshoes.

The Dreiberg in Samerberg's coat of arms alludes to the name of the place and, in connection with the horseshoe, symbolizes the framing .

See also

literature

  1. Gert Oswald : Lexicon of Heraldry. VEB Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig 1984.

Web links

Commons : Horseshoes in Coat of Arms  - collection of images, videos and audio files