Coat of arms of Austria

national coat of arms of the Republic of Austria

The current coat of arms of Austria has been in use by the Republic of Austria since 1919. Between 1934 and the 1938 Austria used a different coat of arms. It had a double-headed eagle. In 1945 the original coat of arms returned, with broken chains added to show Austria's freedom.

Coat of arms of Austria
Versions

First Republic, 1919–1934

Federal State ("Corporate" State) 1934–1938
Details
ArmigerRepublic of Austria
Adopted1945
CrestA mural crown Or
EscutcheonGules, a fess argent (arms of the Duchy of Austria, flag of Austria)
SupportersAn eagle sable gambed Or displayed
Other elementsThe eagle bears a sickle Or in dexter talon and a hammer Or in sinister talon. The gambs also bear broken iron chains.
Earlier versionsAs current version but without broken chains (1919–1934), Imperial-style double headed eagle (1934–1938)

Symbolism change

The symbols and emblems used in the Austrian arms are as follows:

  • The Eagle: Austria's freedom (introduced 1919)
  • The escutcheon Emblem of Austria (late Middle Ages, reintroduced 1915)
  • The mural crown: The middle class (introduced 1919)
  • The sickle: Agriculture (introduced 1919)
  • The Hammer: Industry (introduced 1919)
  • The broken chains: Freedom from National Socialist dictatorship (added 1945)