A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Schmaus family of Germany.
Reg. 8150 · German, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
knightChivalry and service in arms
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à un homme iss., hab. de sa., supp. de sa main dextre une étoile d'or; au 2 de sa. à trois étoiles d'or. C.: l'homme iss., hab. d'un parti de sa. et d'azur.”
BavariaBavaria, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Schmaus arms are recorded
The Schmaus arms were recorded in Bavaria, c. 1765.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Schmaus 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 Bavaria.
Origin & History of the Schmaus Family in Germany
The surname Schmaus is a traditional German name that originated as a nickname during the Middle Ages. In the local dialect of southern Germany, the word *schmaus* referred to a feast or a celebratory banquet. It is likely that the name was first given to someone who was known for hosting lively gatherings, a talented cook, or perhaps a person who simply enjoyed eating well. By the time records confirm the family presence in Bavaria in 1765, the name had become a stable hereditary surname passed down through generations. These early Bavarian ancestors were likely part of the rural or artisan classes who lived in small village communities. As they moved through the eighteenth century, the family name became firmly rooted in the regional identity of the Bavarian landscape, reflecting the social customs and language of the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Schmaus
Middle High German term for a feast or celebratory meal.
This name
SchmausA nickname for a person who enjoyed eating, feasting, or was a glutton.
also spelled
Schmaus
Schmausse
Shmows
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
Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, Kurbayern Hofkammer: Steuer- und Katasterwesen, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
knightChivalry and service in arms
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
knightChivalry and service in arms
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
