A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Besser family of Germany.
Reg. 4932 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 d'arg. à l'aigle de gu., chaque aile ch. d'un demi-cercle treflé d'or; l'aigle surm. d'une étoile d'or; au 2 d'azur à la licorne saillante d'arg. Cq. cour. C.: la licorne iss., entre un vol de gu. L. d'arg. et de gu.”
BrandenburgBrandenburg, c. 1690
Where the Besser Arms Were Recorded
Brandenburg
Map of Germany showing where the Besser arms are recorded
The Besser arms were recorded in Brandenburg, c. 1690.
Brandenburg was sandy farming country around Berlin, held in large estates by families who served as officers. Land and military service each brought arms, and most families there had both.
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.
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
1658–1705
Reigning in Germany when the Besser 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 Brandenburg.
Origin & History of the Besser Family in Germany
The surname Besser originates from the German language and is derived from the word "besser," which translates to "better." In the medieval period, names like this were often given as nicknames to individuals who were considered superior in their trade or character, or perhaps to someone who was known for being particularly capable. By the year 1690, records confirm that members of the Besser family were firmly established in the Brandenburg region of Germany. During this era, Brandenburg was a central hub for the Prussian state, and families living there were often involved in the agricultural, administrative, or military developments that shaped the region. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the community life of the Prussian heartland while the name itself remained a reflection of the positive traits once used to identify their ancestors.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
besser
German adjective meaning better or superior in quality.
This name
BesserA descriptive nickname for a person considered to be superior or an overachiever.
Related arms
Blaessame arms
Sandsame arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
Brandenburgisches Landeshauptarchiv, General-Verzeichnis der Kirchenbücher der Mark Brandenburg, 1690
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
