Arms as interpreted by Jonathan Taylor Sneddon
Blazon:
Arms: Vert, two Scythes in Saltire Argent; on a Chief Argent three Cornflowers Azure, seeded Argent.
Mantling: Vert doubled Argent
Crest: On a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Vert, a Swan displayed proper in front of a Rose Gules, barbed Vert.
Motto: Ex Antiquis Pratis (From the ancient meadows)
Badge: Argent, a Swan displayed proper in front of a Rose Gules, barbed Vert, within an Annulet Vert, a Semy of Crosses clechy.
Design Rationale:
Surname Meaning: In the heraldic tradition, many families take their surname from the name of the lands or the region in which their earliest known ancestors originated. In the German language, many place names end with the suffix of –au, which signifies a flat, low-lying area near a river, i.e., a meadow. The German word, “alten,” means ancient, thus, when this word and this ending are combined, the surname comes to mean “ancient meadow.” This meaning seems very fitting, given that much of the Altenau ancestral lineage is made up of farmers.
The Altenau family members for whom we have verified records lived in the Kingdom of Prussia, Province of Posen, Kreis (County) of Kolmar, Township of Brodden, verifiably as far back as 1861, but possibly as far back as the mid 1790’s (these relations cannot yet be proven, however.) Those old, Prussian records show the spelling of our family name as Altenau. It was only after the family’s immigration to the United States that the spelling changed to “Altnau.” The reason for this change in spelling is not certain, although it has been surmised that the error was perhaps due to a clerical oversight, committed by an employee at either the port of entry, or in the office of naturalization. In those days of hand-written records, such mistakes were quite common.
Symbolism (Arms): For the coat of arms, the green field symbolizes the “ancient meadow,” referred to by the surname of Altenau, i.e., the Altenau family’s ancestral homelands. The two, silver, crossed scythes refer to a sense of reverence and respect for the agricultural and farming legacy of the Altenau family. The fact that the scythes are crossed (“in saltire”) also symbolizes the cross of Saint Andrew, a sign of strong, Christian faith. The three, blue cornflowers represent the Altenau family’s Prussian heritage; the cornflower was the national flower of the Kingdom of Prussia. The silver stripe at the top of the shield represents peace and sincerity, two core tenets which are intrinsic to the profession of farming. Traditionally, the color green is indicative of hope, joy, and a deep loyalty to one’s family; this color scheme was chosen because it embodies the ideals and principles upon which the Altenau family was founded. The coat of arms does not change through the act of being inherited. It remains constant.
Symbolism (Crest): In the Germanic tradition, family coats of arms are differentiated among different branches of the family by means of altering the crest. The main arms of the shield remain unchanged, as mentioned above. This particular crest represents Christopher Allan Altnau, his wife, Magdalena, and all of their direct descendants. The rose is a symbol of American Patriotism; it is the national flower of the United States of America. The swan represents poetic harmony and a love of learning, which is indicative of Christopher’s “learned profession,” i.e., the profession of academic librarianship. These arms were assumed on May 20th, 2020 A.D. by Christopher Allan Altnau. These arms may also rightfully be displayed by his wife and by both of their children.
Meaning of the Motto: The Latin motto, Ex Antiquis Pratis, means: “From the ancient meadows,” which is literally the meaning of the Altenau surname.
Other Registration(s):
-
15 July 2020: Arms registered with International Society of Commoners Heraldry (I.S.C.H.) (Reg. No. 2020287.)
-
23 July 2020: Badge was registered with I.S.C.H. (Same Registration Number.)
-
27 August 2020: Arms registered with International Association of Amateur Heralds (I.A.A.H.) (Certificate No. 547.)
-
01 September 2020: Arms registered with Dr. Antonio Salmeron Cabanas (Key No. 0518/2020.)
-
13 October 2020: Arms registered with the Committee on Heraldry, New England Historic Genealogical Society (N.E.H.G.S.)
-
01 April 2021: Arms registered with the Heraldry of the World website
-
26 April 2021: Arms registered with Der Wappen-Lowe, Reg. No. 2831-04/21
Other Interpretations of the Blazon:
Other Items & Honors
 | Badge: Argent, a Swan displayed proper in front of a Rose Gules, barbed Vert, within an Annulet Vert, a Semy of Crosses clechy. (Heraldic Artist: Dr. Antonio Salmeron) |
 | Fraternal Order of the Golden Owl: Sept. 22, 2020 the Armiger received the Honor and Grade of Knight Commander 1 of the Fraternal Order of the Golden Owl by the Grand Prior of the Order; Cav. Clifford P. Brunetti, GKGO, CCR, OSMA |
Notes & References
- Verified by the Grand Prior of the Fraternal Order of the Golden Owl, Cav. Clifford P. Brunetti, GKGO, CCR, OSMA