A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Richtofen family of Germany.
Reg. 3985 · German, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 coupé: a. d'arg. à un demi-vol cont. de sa.; b. de gu. à une grue avec sa vigilance d'arg., cont., et posée sur un tertre de sin.; au 2 d'or à un juge, hab. d'une toge de sa., au rabat d'arg., coiffé d'un toque de sa., cont., assis dans un fauteuil de gu., et tenant de sa main dextre un sceptre de sa. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un vol, de gu. et de sa.; L. d'arg. et de gu.; 2° la grue, tournée vers dextre; L. d'or et de sa. S.: deux lions au nat.”
SilesiaSilesia, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Richtofen arms are recorded
The Richtofen arms were recorded in Silesia, c. 1765.
Silesia was farming country in the east of the German lands, held in large estates by families who stayed put for generations. Owning land was what entitled a family to arms, so the region fills a good deal of the register.
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 Richtofen 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 Silesia.
Origin & History of the Richtofen Family in Germany
The history of the von Richthofen family is deeply rooted in the region of Silesia, which was a territory of great importance in Central Europe. While the family gained significant prominence in the eighteenth century, their presence in this area was well established by 1765. The name itself is linked to the German word for a judge or a legal official, suggesting that early ancestors likely served in administrative or judicial roles within their local communities. As the family grew in influence, they became known for their service to the Prussian state, transitioning from local figures into a family recognized for their military and civil contributions. Their rise in status during the mid-1700s allowed them to secure land and social standing that would define their legacy for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Richthofen
Derived from the German words for judge and courtyard or field.
This name
RichtofenRefers to a person who held a position of authority over a specific piece of land.
also spelled
Richthoffen
Rikthofen
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Samuel Buchholtz, Versuch einer Geschichte der Chur- und fürstlichen Brandenburgischen Häuser, 1767
Genealogisches Handbuch des Adels, Adelslexikon Band XI, 2000
Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz, I. HA Rep. 176 (Heroldsamt)
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
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
