A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bartenstein family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6448 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
axeThe execution of military duty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à deux haches adossées d'arg., emm. d'or, soutenues d'un tertre de trois coupeaux du même. C.: deux haches adossées d'arg., emm. de gu.; ou, un chapeau pyramidal d'azur, retr. d'arg., sommé de pl. d'aut. de sa. et accosté des haches adossées.”
SwabiaSwabia, c. 1765
Where the Bartenstein Arms Were Recorded
Swabia
Map of Germany showing where the Bartenstein arms are recorded
The Bartenstein arms were recorded in Swabia, c. 1765.
Swabia was broken into a great many small territories in southern Germany, and each had its own landowners and its own leading townsmen. That fragmentation produced an unusual number of families with arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Bartenstein arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Swabia.
Origin & History of the Bartenstein Family in Germany
The Bartenstein family name is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of southwestern Germany, particularly within the region of Swabia. By the mid-eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area, living amidst the complex social structures of the Holy Roman Empire. The name itself likely originated as a locative surname, meaning it was derived from a specific place or settlement known as Bartenstein. In the German tradition, families often adopted the names of the towns or estates where they served as administrators, farmers, or local officials. As the family grew, they became part of the regional fabric of Swabia, contributing to the local economy and community life during a period of significant political transition. Their presence in 1765 reflects a long-standing connection to the land and the evolving administrative systems of the German states.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur au More iss., tort. d'arg., les oreilles garnies de perles, tenant de sa main dextre une fronde du même ch. d'un caillou de gu., et de sa sen. étendue une hache d'arg., le tranchant tourné à dextre; aux 2 et 3 de sa. au chev. d'arg., acc. de trois diamants taillés en losange, d'or. Sur le tout d'or à l'aigle de sa., cour. du champ. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° un bâton d'Esculape, en pal, entre un vol, de sa. et d'azur; le bâton sommé d'une colombe cont. d'arg., tenant en son bec un rameau d'olivier; 2° l'aigle; 3° un diamant de l'écu, entre un vol de sa., chaque aile ch. d'un autre diamant d'or. L.: à dextre d'azur et d'arg., à sen. d'or et de sa.”
Austriac. 1620
Where the Bartenstein Arms Were Recorded
Tyrol
Map of Austria showing where the Bartenstein arms are recorded
The Bartenstein arms were recorded in Austria, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Tyrol.
Tyrol was mountain country in western Austria, where the valleys were held by families who had been there a very long time. Old tenure counted for more than money, and old families carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
Region
Tyrol
First recorded
1620
Granting Authority for the Bartenstein Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
1619–1637
Reigning in Germany when the Bartenstein arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Bartenstein Family in Austria
The Bartenstein family first emerged in the historical records of the Tyrol region during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, members of the family were established within this mountainous territory, which served as a crucial crossroads for trade and travel between the German lands and Italy. The name itself reflects the linguistic traditions of the Alpine area, likely originating from a combination of words describing a specific geographic feature or a fortified location. As the family moved beyond their early roots in Tyrol, they became increasingly integrated into the administrative and social structures of the Austrian Empire. Their transition from local figures to individuals of broader influence was marked by a commitment to public service and the evolving bureaucracy of the Habsburg lands. This steady rise allowed the family to leave a lasting mark on the history of the region as they adapted to the changing political landscape of Central Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bart-Stein
Derived from the name Bartholomew and the German word for stone.
This name
BartensteinRefers to a person living near a prominent stone landmark or a fortified stone site.
also spelled
Bartenstine
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Gottschald, Max, Deutsche Namenkunde: Unsere Familiennamen, 1971
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familiennamen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1933
Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg, Bestand H 101 (Reichskammergericht)
Staatsarchiv Ludwigsburg, Bestand E 150 (Kirchenbücher und Familienregister)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
axeThe execution of military duty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
axeThe execution of military duty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
savages head affrontyAn enemy overcome
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
