A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wensel family of Germany.
Reg. 4393 · German, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
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)
“D'or à la fasce de sa., ch. d'un cep de vigne en fasce, feuillé et fruité au nat. Cq. cour. C.: deux pl. d'aut., d'or et de sa. S.: deux lions reg. d'or, cour. du même, sommés de plumes pareilles à celles du cimier. D.: HALT WAS DU HAST.”
GermanyHan, c. 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Germany showing where the Wensel arms are recorded
The Wensel arms were recorded in Han, c. 1765.
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 Wensel 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 Germany.
Origin & History of the Wensel Family in Germany
The family name Wensel is a variation of the ancient German name Wenzel, which traces its roots back to the Slavic name Wenceslaus. This name carries the proud meaning of someone who possesses more glory. By the mid-18th century, the family was well-established in the region of Han, which is located in modern-day Germany. In 1765, records show that family members were active participants in the local community during a time of significant social and agricultural development. During this era, families in the Han area often worked in skilled trades or farming, contributing to the steady growth of the local economy. The name Wensel served as a way to identify these individuals as they navigated the changing landscape of 18th-century Europe, marking their presence in the historical record of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wenzel
Derived from the Slavic name Venceslaus meaning more glory.
This name
WenselA Germanized form of a Slavic name signifying one who possesses greater glory or fame.
also spelled
Wensee
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familien-Namen, geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt. 1967
Hessisches Staatsarchiv Marburg. Kirchenbücher der Pfarrei Han. 1765
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
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
