A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Schulthess family of Switzerland.
Reg. 7786 · Swiss, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bullValour and generosity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à un rencontre de boeuf de sa., sommé d'une étoile de gu entre ses cornes. C.: un ange iss., posé de profil, les mains jointes, ailé d'or, hab. d'une dalmatique d'or qui est ch. de trois fasces de sa., dont les deux premières passent sur les ailes. L. d'or et de sa.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Schulthess arms are recorded
The Schulthess arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.
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 Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Schulthess Family in Switzerland
The surname Schulthess originates from the Middle High German term *schultheize*, which historically referred to a local official or a village magistrate responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order. By the time the family established a prominent presence in Basel during the mid-18th century, the name had evolved from a professional title into a hereditary family name. Families bearing this name were often integrated into the urban administrative and merchant classes of Swiss cities, where they played active roles in the civic life of the region. The presence of the Schulthess family in Basel by 1745 reflects their status as part of the established middle class that helped shape the economic and political landscape of the city during the Enlightenment era. As they settled into these urban centers, the family became known for their involvement in trade, education, and local governance, cementing their legacy as a foundational part of the Basel community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Schultheiss
A medieval official responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing local laws.
This name
SchulthessRefers to a person who held the position of a village magistrate or headman.
also spelled
Schulthes
Schultheisse
Schulthesser
Shultes
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Moritz, Hermann. Die deutschen Familiennamen: Entstehung, Verbreitung und Bedeutung. 1905
Suter, Paul. Die Basler Familiennamen. 1957
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse und Einwohnerregister
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bullValour and generosity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bullValour and generosity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
