The Coat of Arms
Heraldic heritage of the von Gerlach family
Sable, a horse rampant argent, issuant from flames gules and or. The shield is of gothic heater form, surmounted by a tilting helm and crown. As crest, the rearing horse rises again from the crown. The mantling is sable and argent.
The Shield
The black shield (in heraldry: Sable) represents constancy, dignity, and resolve. It forms the background for the central motif of the coat of arms.
The Rampant Horse
The central motif of the coat of arms is a rearing white stallion — in heraldry described as a horse argent rampant. The rearing horse symbolises boldness, freedom, and readiness for service. It is the oldest recorded motif in the family's coat of arms.
The Flames
The horse rises from golden and red flames — a symbol of renewal, courage, and indestructible vitality. The flames appear both in the shield and in the crest.
Helm and Crown
The tilting helm is typical of the German high nobility of the Middle Ages. The toothed crown above it reinforces the heraldic rank of the coat of arms. Upon the crown sits the crest, which repeats the central motif of the shield.
History of the Coat of Arms
The coat of arms in its recorded form dates back to the early eighteenth century. Earlier sources document similar motifs in preceding centuries. The arms have been preserved in seals, letterheads, family libraries, and gravestones, and remain the identifying symbol of the family to this day.