UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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United States of America |
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United States of America In the 18th century there existed thirteen
English colonies in North America: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North-Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South-Carolina and Virginia. Conflicts between these colonies and the
motherland cuased a union between these colonies, initially called United
Colonies which declared itself independent o 4 July 1776. In a subsequent war
Great Britain could not bring the new nation under
its control and had to recognize the
United States of America, as the new nation was then called, by Peace of
Paris of 1783. |
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In all the time of english colonization the king
of England, later Great Britain was the sovereign in the colonies.Therefore the
royal coat of arms was valid there and the royala achievement was used by the governance of the
colonies. Also there ware coats of arms used by the lower administrative instances. After the declaration of independence the royal arms and –achievementcoul
not be used any more by the new state. Therefore it
was decided to make a new coat of arms and seal specially for the union. “On July 4, 1776, after the Declaration of
Independence had been read in the Continental Congress, it was ‘Resolved,
That Dr. Franklin, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Jefferson be a committee, to prepare
a device for a Seal of the Unites States of North America.’ Although
these distinguished committee members were among the ablest minds in the new
nation, they had little knowledge of heraldry. To help convey their vision,
they chose the artist Pierre Eugène Du Simitière to work with them. Skilled
in portraiture and heraldry (the state seals of Delaware and New Jersey are
his designs), Du Simitière was also an avid collector of all things American
and founded the first history museum in the United States. On
13 August 1776 the four designers brought before the committee a suggestion
for the design of the Great Seal. The three Congressmen
suggested allegorical scenes:
Du Simitière's original (and restored) sketch of his
preliminary design Note: sketched is a
two-headed eagle for Germany “The committee reported on August 10 as follows: “’ The shield has six quarters, parts one, coupe
two. The 1st Or, a Rose enamelled gules and argent for England; the 2nd
Argent, a Thistle proper for Scotland; the 3rd Vert a Harp Or for Ireland:
the 4th Azure a Flower de luce Or for France; the 5th Or the Imperial Eagle
Sable for Germany; and the 6th Or the Belgic Lion Gules for Holland, pointing
aut the countries from which these States have been peopled. The Shield
within a border Gules entwined of thirteen Scutcheons Aregent linked together
by a chain or, each charged with the initial letters Sable, as follows: 1st
N.H., 2nd M.B, 3d R.I., 4thd C., 5th N.Y., 6th N.J., 7th P., 8th D.C., 9th
M., 10th V., 11th N., 12th S.C., 13th G., for each of the thirteen
independent States of America. Supporters, Dexter the Goddess of Liberty in a
corselet of Armour, alluding to the present times, holding in her right hand
the Spear and Cap and with her left supporing the shields of the States;
Sinister, the Goddess Justice bearing a sword in her right hand and in her left
a balance. Crest, the Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangkle whose Glory
extends over the sheild and beyond the Figures. Motto: E Pluribus Unum.
Legend around the whole achieveent, Seal of the United States of America MDCCLXXVI. |
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1776 First
design for the achievement of the USA on the obverse of the Great Seal
(10.08.1776):
Obverse Arms: Per pale and tierced
per fess: 1. Or, a rose Gules and Argent for England; 2. Argent, a thistle
ppr. for Scotland; 3. Vert, a harp Or for Ireland; 4. Azure, a fleur de lys
Or for France; 5. Or, an eagle sable, billed and clawed Or for Germany; 6.
Or, a lion rampant Gules for Holland. Crest: The Eye of Providence. Supporters: Liberty and Justice Motto: E PLURIBUS UNUM. On the other side of the said Great Seal should be the following
device: Pharaoh sitting in an open Chariot, a crown on his head and a sword
in his hand passing through the divided waters of the Red Sea in pursuit of
the Israelites: Rays from a pillow [pillar] of Fire and the Cloud, expressive
of the devine Presence and Command, beaming on Moses who stand on the shore
and extending his hand over the Sea causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh. Motto: Rebellion to Tyrants is Oberdience to God.’
Reverse “Two features of this design were preserved in the
seal as finally adopted – the Eye of Providence in the triangle, which now
appears upon the reverse, and the motto E pluribus unum. The latter was a
familiar quotation to the colonistsas the motto of the Gentleman’s Magazine,
and naturally suggested itself as the most appropriate description of the new order of things,
when the several colonies united in their oppesition to Great Britain. |
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“The device of this
committee did not meet with favourable reception and the report was laid on the table, and
nothing further was done until 25 March 1779, when the matter was referred to
a new committee composed of James Lovell of Mssachusetts, Scott of Virginia;
and William Houstoun of Georgia.Lovell had been a teacher in the Latrin
School of Boston, master of another New England school. After he came to
Congress he took a part of some prominence as a member of the Committee of
Foreign Affairs. Houstoun, the brother of Governor John Houstoun, was a lawyer
with an English education. The committee reported 10 May 1780, the original
report reading as follows: “The Seal to be 4
inches in diameter. On one side, the Arms of the United States, as follows:
The Shield charged on the Field with 13 diagonal stripes alternate red and
white. Supporters, dexter, a warrior holding a sword; Sinister, a figure
representing Peace bearing an Olive Branche. The Crest, a radiant
constellation of 13 stars. The Motto BELLO BEL PACI. The legend round the
atchievement SEAL OF THE UNITED STATES . “’On the Reverse - The Figure of Liberty seated
in a chair holding the staff and cap. The Motto SEMPER. Underneath MDCCLXXVI. “This report was modified aso as to make the seal
three inches in diameter. It advocated also ‘a miniature of the face of the
Great Seal to be prepared of half the Diameter, to be affixed as the less
seal of the United States.’ “In this device appeared for the first time the
constellation of the thirteen stars and the thirteen alternate red and white
stripes; but the latter were here diagonal, whereas they finally appeared as
perpendicular. The idea followed naturally the design of the national flag,
which Congress had adopted 14 June 1777. “After debate the report was ordered to be
recommitted to a new committee, composed of Middleton and Rutledge, of South
Carolina, and Boudinot of New Jersey. |
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1780 Second design 10.05.1780 |
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Sketch of the Great Seal of the United States Arms: Tierced per bend Azure
and Argent, in the second six bendlets Gules. Crest: Thirteen five-pointed
stars Argent within a halo and a bordure of clouds ppr. Supporters: A warrior and Peace. Motto: bello vel paci (War or Peace)
Reverse Perennial Power /MDCCLXXVI |
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“Two years later the records show activity in the
effort to evolve a suitable device, and in the meantime the committee reports
had been referred to the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson. The name of
Arthur Lee, who had returned from France and was now a member of Congress
from Virginia, also appears as one of the members to whom the designs were
submitted. It was at this time that the assistance of William Barton, A.M., a
prominent resident of Philadelphia, was sought. He submitted the following:
‘Device for an Armorial Achievement
for the Great Seal of the United States of America, in Congress assembled;
agreeable to the Rules of Heraldry – proposed by William Barton A.M. Arms: Barry of thirteen pieces, Argent
& Gules; on a Canton, Azure as many stars disposed in a Circle, of the
first; a Pale, Or, surmounted of another, of the third; charged, in Chief,
with an Eye surrounded with a Glory, proper; and, in the Fess-point, an Eagle
displayed on the Summit of a Doric Column which rests on the base of the
Escutcheon, both as the Stars. “’CREST: On the Helmet of
Burnished Gold damasked, grated with six Bars, and surmounted of a Cap of
Dignity, Gules, turned up Ermine, a Cock armed with gaffs, proper: “’ SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side:
the Genius of America (represented by a Maiden with loose Auburn Tresses,
having on her head a radiated Crown of Gold, encircled with a sky-blue fillet
spangled with silver stars, and clothed in a long, loose, white garment,
bordered with Green: from her right shoulder to her left side, a scarf semé
of Stars, the Tinctures thereof the same as in the Canton; and round the
Waist a purple Girdle fringed Or; embroidered, Argent, with the word
“Virtue”: -resting her interior Hand on the Escutcheon, and holding in the
other the proper Standard of the United
States, having a Dove, argent, perched on the top of it. On the sinister
side: a Man in complete Armour, his sword-belt, Azure, fringed with Gold; the
Helmet inscribed with a Wreath of Laurel, and crested with one white and two
blue Plumes; supporting with his dexter Hand the Escutcheon and holding, in
the exterior, a Lance with the point sanguinated; and upon it a Banner
displayed, Vert, - in the Fess-point an Harp, Or, stringed with Silver,
between a star in Chief, two Fleurs-de-lis in Fess, and a pair of Swords in
Saltier, in Base, all Argent. The Tenants of the Escutcheon stand on a
Scroll, on which the following Motto: “DEO FAVENTE,”which
alludes to the Eye in the Arms, meant for the Eye of Providence. Over the crest, in a scroll, this motto – “VIRTUS SOLA INVICTA” – which requires no comment. “’The thirteen pieces, barways, which fill up the
field of the Arms, may represent the several States; and the same Number of
Stars upon a blue Canton, disposed in a Circle, represent a new
Constellation, which alludes to the new Empire, formed in the World, by the
Confederation of those States. Their Disposition, in the form of a circle,
denotes the perpetuity of its continuance, the Ring being the Symbol of
Eternity. The Eagle displayed is the symbol of Supreme Power & Authority,
and signifies the Congress; the Pillar, upon which it rests, is used as the
Hieroglyphic of Fortitude and Constancy; and it’s being of Doric order,
(Which is the best proportioned and most agreeable to nature) & composed
of several Members or parts, all, taken together, forming a beautiful
composition of Strength, Congruity & Usefulness, it may with great
propriety signify a well planned Government. The ERagle, being placed on the
summit of the Column, is emblematical of the Sovereignty of the Government of
the United States; and, as further expressive of that Idea, those two charges
or figures are borne in a Pale, which extends
across the thirteen pieces, into which the Escutcheon is divided. The
signification of the Eye has been already explained. “’ The Helmet is such as appertaines to Sovereignty
and the Cap is used as the Token of Freedom & Excellency. It was formerly
worn by Dukes “Because,” say Guillim,
“The Ha a more worthy Government
than other subjects.” The Cock is distinguished for two most excellent
Qualities, necessary in a free country, viz: Vigilance & Fortitude. “’The genius of the American Confederated Republic
is denoted by her blue Scarf & Fillet, glittering with Stars, and by the
flag of Congress which she displays. Her dress is white edged with green
colours, emblematical of Innocence and Youth. Her purple girdle and radiated crown
indicate her sovereignty: the word “Virtue” on the former is to show, that
that should be her principal
ornament, and the radiated Crown, that no Earthly
Crown shall ruler her. The Dove on the Top of the American Standard denotes
the mildness and lenity of her Government. “’The Knight in Armour wit his bloody Lance
represents the military Genius of the American Empire, armed in Defence of
its just Rights. His blue Belt and blue feathers indicate his Countr,
& the White Plume is in Compliment to our gallant Ally. The Wreath of
Laurel round his helmet is expressive of his success. The Green Field of the
Banner denotes Youth and Vigor, the Harp is emblematical of the several
States acting in Harmony and Concert; the Star, in Chief, has reference to
America, as principal in the
contest; the two fleurs-de-lis are borne as a grateful Testimonial of the
support given to her by France; and the two swords, crossing each other
signify a state of War. This Tenant and his Flag relate totally to America at
the time of her Revolution . . . . “’WILLIAM
BARTON.’ “It is here that the eagle appears for the first
time. “Barton submitted another device of a similar
character, so far as the obverse is concerned: ‘Device for and Armorial
Atchievement & Reverse of a Great Seal, for the United States of America:
proposed by William Barton Esq., A.M. 1782 Third design, version B. of William Barton, 1782.
“’Blazoned according to the Laws of Heraldry: -
Barry of hirteen pieces, Argent & Gules; on a pale, Or, a pillar of the
Doric Ordder, Vert, reaching from the Base of the Escutcheon to the Honor
point; and from the summit thereof, a Phoenix in Flames with Wings expanded
proper; the whole within a Border, Azure, charged with as many stars as
pieces barways, of the first. Crest: On a Helmet of Burnished Gold, damasked,
grated with six Bars, a Cap of Liberty, Vert; with an Eagle displayed Argent
thereon holding in his dexter Talon a Sword, Or, having a wreath of Laurel
suspended from the point; and in the sinister, the
Ensign of the United States, proper. “’SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side,
the Genius of the American Confederated Republic: represented by a Maiden,
with flowing Auburn Tresses; clad in a long, loose white Garment, bordered
with Green; having a sky-blue scarf, charged with Stars as in the Arms,
reaching across her waist from her right shouder to her left Side; and, on
her Head, a radiated crown of Gold, encircled with an azure Fillet spangled
with Silver Stars; round her Waist, a purple Girdle, embroidered with the
word “Virtus” in silver: - a Dove, proper, perched on her dexter Hand. On the
Sinister Side, an America Warrior, clad in an uniform Coat, of blue faced
with Buff, and in his Hat a Cockade of black and white Ribbons; in his left
hand a Baton Azure semé of stars Argent. Motto over the crest – “IN VINDICIAM LBERTATIS.” Motto under the arms – “VIRTUS SOLA INVICTA.” Reverse of the seal: A Pyramid of thirteen Strata (or Steps) Or. In
the Zenith, an eye surrounded with a Glory, proper. In a Scroll, above – or
in the Margin “DEO FAVENTE.” The Exergue “PERENNIS.” “’REMARKS: The Imperial Eagle of
Germany (which is Sable, and with two Heads) is represented with a sword in
one Talon, and a sceptre in the other. The Phoenix is emblematical of the
expiring Liberty of Britain, revived by her Descendants in America. The Dove
(perched on the right Hand of the Genius of America) is Emblematical of
Innocence and Virtue. The Sword (held by the Eagle) is the Symbol of Courage,
Authority and Power. The Flag or Ensign denotes the United States of America,
of the sovereignty of which the Eagle is expressive. The Pillar is the
Hieroglyphic of Constancy and Fortitude, and is likewise emblematical of
Beauty, Strength and Order. The Pyramid signifies Strength and Duration.’ “Here the frist design of the reverse of the seal is
clearly fixed; ith being the same as the one finally adopted, except for the
motto. “ The next device was by tthe Secretary of Congress,
Charles Thomson: “’Device for an Armorial Atchievement and Reverse of
a Great Seal for the United States in Congress Assembled. “’ARMS: On a field Chevrons
composed of seven pieces on one side & six on the other, joined together
at the top in such wise that each of the six bears against or is supported by
& supports two of the opposite side alternate red and white. The shield borne
on the breast of an American Eagle, on the Wing and rising proper. In the
dexter talom of the eagle an olive branch & in the sinister a bundle of
arrows. Over the head of the Eagle a constellation of stars surrounded with
bright rays and at a little distance clouds. In the bill of the Eagle a
scroll with the words “E PLURIBUS
UNUM.” –
Reverse: A pyramid unfinished. In the zenith an eye in a triangle surrounded
with a glory, proper. “’Over the eye these words, “ANNUIT CŒPTIS.” On the base of the
pyramid the numerical letters, “MDCCLXXVI.” and underneath these
words, “ NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM.” “’ N.B. the Head and tail of the American bald Eagle
are White, the body and wings of a lead or dove colour.’ “Here, it will ne observed, a step further was made.
The eagle bearing the shield on its breast, grasping the olive branch and
arrows, and the constellation surrounded by clouds appear as they now
actually are. The motto, too, is the same, and is held in the same way. The
reverse appers as it was finally adopted. “ The words ‘Annuit cœptis novus ordo
seclorum’ have commonly been taken as one motto, meaning ‘the new series of
ages is favorable to our undertakings;’ and ‘novus ordo sclorum,’ meaning
simply ‘a new order of centuries.’ “The words were probably adapted from two passages
in Virgil – ‘Audacibus annue cœptis’ (favor my daring undertaking), and ‘Magnus ab
integro seclorum nascitur ordo’ (the great series of ages begins anew). The
former is found in the Ænid, book 9, verse 625 (also in the Georgics, I. 40),
and the latter in the fourth eclogue, fifth verse. Although the form
‘seclorum’ was adopted, the more approved form is ‘sæclorum;’ and the word is
spelled with the ‘æ’ in all or nearly al the best modern editions of Latin
authors. |
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Fourth design. Charles Thomson.
Arms: Azure, thirteen
stripes Argent and Gules arranged chevronwise, six on the dexter and seven on
the sinister. Crest: Thirteen five-pointed
stars within a halo and a bordure of clouds ppr. Supporters: An American Eagle, in
his dexter claw an olive branch and in his sinister a bundle of arrows ppr.. Motto: e pluribus unum on a ribbon in the bill of the eagle. From: Am. Hist. Rev. VI.1977 frontisp. By courtesy
of the National Archives Washington D.C. “The next report is endorsed ‘Mr. Barton’s
improvement on the Secretary’s device,’ and describes a device almost
identical with the one finally agreed upon: “’Device for an Armorial
Atchievement for the United States of North America, blazonded agreeably to
the Laws of Heraldry – proposed by Wm. Barton, A.M. “’ARMS: Paleways of thirteen
pieces, Argent and Gules; a Chief Azure; - The Escutcheon placed on the
Breast of an American (the bald-headed) eagle, displayed, proper, holding in
his Beak a Scroll, inscribed with this motto, viz., “E PLURIBUS UNUM” – and
in his dexter Talon a Palm or an Olive Branch – in the other a bundle of 13
Arrows; all proper. For THE CREST: Over the Head of the Eagle, which appears
above the Escutcheon, a Glory, Or; breaking through a cloud, proper, and surrounding thirteen Stars forming a
Constellation, Argent, on an Azure Field. In the Exergue of the Great Seal –
“Jul IV. MDCCLXXVI” – In the margin of the same – “SIGIL. MAG REIPUB. CONFŒD.
AMERIC.“ “’REMARKS: ‘TheEscutcheon
is composed of the Chief & Pale, the two most honourable ordinaries; the
latter represent the several States; all joined in one solid, compact Entier,
supporting a Chief, which unites the whole and represents Congress. – The
Motto alludes to this Union. – The Colours or Tinctures of the Pales are
those used in the Flag of the Unitesd States – White signifies Purity and
Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valour. The Chief denotes Congress – Blue is
the Ground of the American uniform, and this colour signifies Vigilance,
Perseverance and Justice. The meaning of the Crest is obvious, as is likewise
that of the Olive Branch and Arrows. “’The Escutcheon being
placed on the Breast of the Eagle displayed os a very antient mode of
bearing, and is truly imperial. The Eagle displayed is an Heraldical figure;
and, being borne in the manner here described, supplies the place of
supporters and Crest. The American States need no supporters but their own
Virtue, and are kepts closely united by the Chief, which last likewise
depends on that Union and the strength resulting from it, for its own support
– The Inference is plain. “’June 19th, 1782.
W.B. “The legend as proposed by
Barton was left out finally. The heraldic description of
this achievement has not been changed until the present day, the design
differing only in details over the years. It is the oldest achievement of state remained unchanged since its adoption in
the world.
St.
Paul's Chapel in New York City has a large oil painting of the national
coat of arms, believed installed sometime in 1786. It was commissioned on 7
October 1785, not long after the Congress of the
Confederation began meeting in nearby Federal Hall. The painting
hangs over Washington's pew, across the room from a painting of the arms
of New York over the Governor's pew. The painting has many similarities
to Trenchard's version (or vice versa depending on which came first), including
the random placement of stars and details of the eagle. The clouds are in a
full circle, though, instead of an arc, and the rays extend beyond them in
all directions. The shield has a gold chain border with a badge at the
bottom. This is the earliest known full-color version of the seal design, and
the artist is unknown. Æ See illustration in the head of
this article. |
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First Publication of Achievement James Trenchard
"Arms of the United States" The Columbian Magazine, (Philadelphia)
September 1786, p. 33 Engraving in book Rare Book and Special Collections
Division Library of Congress Arms: Argent, six pales Gules
Crest: Thirteen five-pointed
stars within a halo Or and a bordure of clouds ppr. Supporter: An American Eagle, in
his dexter claw an olive branch and in his sinister a bundle of 13 arrows
ppr.. Motto: e pluribus unum on a ribbon in the bill of the eagle. |
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“On June 20, 1782, the seal
was finally decided upon. [1] “On report of the Secretary,
‘to whom were referred the several reports on the device for a great seal, to
take order: “’ARMS. Palewayds of thirteen
pieces, argent and gules; a chief, azure; the escutcheon on the breast of the
American eagle displayed proper, holding in his dexter talon an olive branch,
and in his sinister a bundle of thirteen arrows, all proper, and in his beak
a scrolle, inscribed with this motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” “’For the CREST. Over the head
of the Eagle, which appears above the escutcheon, a glory, or, breaking
through a clopud, proper, and surrounding thirteen stars, forming a
constellation, argent, on an azure field. “’REVERSE. A Pyramid
unfinished.. “’In the zenith, an eye in a
triangle, surrounded with a glory proper. Over the eye these words, “Annuit cœptis.” On the base of the
pyramidthe numerical letters MDCCLXXVI. And underneath the following motto, “
Novus Ordo Seclorum.”’ “Acconpanying the report and
adopted by Congress, was the following: “’REMARKS AND EXPLANATION. The Escutcheon
is composed of the chief and pale, the two most honourable ordinaries. The
pieces, paly, represent the several Statesall joined in one solid compact
entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole and represents Congress.
The Motto alludes to this union. The pales in the Arms are kept closely
united by the chief and the chief depends on that Union and the strength
resultingfrom it for its support, to denote the Confederacy of the United
Staes of America and the preservaiion of their Union through Congress. The
colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of
America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valour, and
Blue , the colour of the chief signifies vigilance persevrance & justice.
The Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace and war which is
exclusively vested in Congress. The Constellation denotes a new State taking
its place and rank among other sovereign powers. The Escutcheon is born on
the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters, to denote that the
United States ougth to rely on their own Virtue. “’REVERSE: The pyramid
signifies Streghth and Duration: The Eye over it and the motto allude to the
many signal interpositions of providence in favour of the America cause. The
date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence and the words
under it signify the beginning of the New American Æra, which commences from
that date. “”Passed June 20, 1782.’ The great seal has for
device the achievement as adopted a day earlier. No legend was added at the
circumference. “The
new seal was cut in brass soon after it had been decided upon, and it is
found on a commission date September 16, 1782, granting full power and
authority to General Washington to arrange with the British for exchange of
prisoners of war. The commission is signed by Hohn Hanson, President of
Congress, and soutersigned by Charles Thomson, Secretary, the seal being
impressed upon the parchment over a white wafer fastened by red wax, in the
upper left hand corner, instead of the lower left hand corner, as is now the
custom. |
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In
the course of history six (or possibly seven) dies of the seal of the United
States have been cut and used officialy. The first, executed in brass by an unknown
engraver, was employed as early as Sept. 16, 1782, and as late as April 24,
1841. This seal measures about 2¼ in. (57mm) in diameter. Of quaintly archaic
style its distinguishing characteristics are a border resembling a chain of
flowers, six-pointed stars and the arrows touching the border. Intended
for impression on wax, it had but one
face, cut in intaglio. Almost invariably it was impressed on a corcular paper
wafer, a thin layer of red wax being introduced between the wafer and the
document for the double purpose of
attaching the wafer and bringing out the device in relief. To the instrument
of ratification of the Treaty of Ghent (1814) and of other treaties of the
decade following this seal was affixed pendently somewhat in the manner described
below.
The seal of 1782. By an unknown engraver. Brass. Diameter about 2¼ in.
Used from1782 until 1841
Washington Negotiating Authorization, Sept1782, seal in the right hand uppur
corner |
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The
second die was cut in 1825. It was furnished, it seems by Seraphim Masi,
jeweller and silversmith of Washington, to whom on May 4, 1825, the
Department of State paid $ 406 “for Treaty Boxes & a great Seal.’ Abouth
4½ in. in diameter, it depicts the eagle realistically rather than
heraldically. This die did not supersede the first, but was employed concurrenly with it, being reserved for
preparing pendant seals. Its manner of use was as follows: In the die was
cast a red wax disk a quarter of an inch thick; the disk was prepared on
melted wax to produce a cake nearly an inch thick, through the diamter of
which ran the heavy tasselled cords that bound the engrossed pages of the
document to their blue-velvet cover, and the wax for protection was closed in
a metal case or skippet about five inches in diameter and an inch and a half
thick. The skippets were usually of silver, some were of “silver richly gilt”; a few were of gold;
and the skippet top or cover bore a representation of this seal device cast
in relief. While ordinarily the pendant seal was used only on instruments of
ratification of treaties destined for exchange with foreign governments, it
was affixed in some rare instances to full powers and ceremonial letters. The
full power and the letter of credene carried by Commodore Matthew C. Perry on
his mission to Japan in 1853-’54 both bore the pendant seal enclosed in
skippets of solid gold; and the instrument of ratification of Perry’s treaty
of March 31, 1854, was similarly sealed, with a gold skippet for which the
Department of State paid $ 700. |
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The Old Treaty–Seal die and cast Furnished by Seraphim Masi,
1825. Diameter 411/16
in., thickness 1½ in., weight 6¼pounds. Steel From
1857 the device of the skippet covers was cast in a die cut by Samuel Lewis,
a Washington jeweller. This die was of the same size as the second die,
described above, and its engraving was closely copied therefrom,
distinguishing features being its greater depth and the stronger brow and
shaggier feathering of the eagle. Some wax disks similar to those of the
second seal were also cast in this die, and possibly a few were used in
sealing documents, although no actual example of such use is known. Examination
of United States instruments of ratification in certain foreign archives
reveals that the seal of 1825 was employed at least as late as 1869. Pursuant
to an order of Secretary of State Hamilton Fish of Feb. 4. 1871, use of the
pendant seal was abandoned in favour of the wafer seal for all purposes. |
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Skippet Cover cast in the die cut by Samuel Lewis 1857 |
Example of a Treaty Seal cast in the die cut by Samuel Lewis. Discovered in the National
Archives by R. Paterson, 1948 |
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The
third die, which superseded the first, was used from April 1841 until
November 1877. It was cut in cast steel by John V.N. Throop, engraver and
copper-plate printer of Washington, at a cost of $ 60. Of approximately the same
size as the seal of 1782, it differs therefrom in the style of its execution.
The device has the appearance of being crowded toward the top; the stars,
which for the first time are five-pointed, are minute; and the sheaf of
arrows departs from the law in that it includes not thirteen, but six. During
the first twenty years or more of its service, this die, like that of 1841,
was impressed on a wafer over wax; thereafter glue or paste replaced the wax for attaching the
wafer to the document, and there are indications that a crude counter-die may
have been provided. The die that superseded the third was used from November
1877 until April 1885. It was cut by Herman Baumgarten, seal engraver in
Washingtom, at the cost of $ 105.50, including press, case and locks.
Measuring about 2¼ in. in diameter, it was executed in close imitation of the
seal of 1782; and like that seal it departs from the law in having but six
arrows in the sinister talon. It is readily distinguished from the earlier
seal by the larger size of its stars; and it was provided with a counterdie. |
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Die of the seal of 1841 Cut by John V.N. Throop. Cast
steel. Diameter about 2¼ in. Six arrows instead of thirteen.
Five –pointed stars |
Seal of 1877 Cut by Herman Baumgarten Diameter 2¼ in. |
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Criticism of this faulty
design of the seal then in use led to an act of Congress of July 7. 1884,
appropriating $ 1,000 to “enable the secretary of State to obtain dies of the
obverse and reverse of the seal of the United States, and the appliance necessary for making
impressions from and for the preservation of the same”.
Theodore F. Dwight, Chief of the Bureau of Rolls and Library of the
Department of State, who supervised the designing of the new die, called into
consultation prominent historians and authorities on heraldry and engraving.
The design of the obverse was determined upon with great care. It was an
enlargement of the seal of 1782 with modifications aimed at artistic
improvement and stricter adherence to the original resolution creating the
seal. Although the act of 1884 provided also for cutting the reverse of the
seal, “spiritless, prosaic, heavy, and inappropriate,” has remained uncut and
unused to this day. The obverse provided for by the act of 1884 was cut by
Tiffany & Company, of New York, and served from April
1885 to Jan. 1904. Its diameter of three inches distinguishes it from all previous dies. Provided with a counter-die, it was
usually impressed over a paper wafer pasted to the document, a practice
authorized by act of Congress of May 31, 1854. About 1888 the present style
of wafer, with invected edge, replaced the serrated form previously used. After 17 years of use the die
of 1885 was deemed to have become too much worn for further service.
Accordingly an act of Congress of July 1, 1902, appropriated $ 1,250 to
enable the Secretary of State to have the Great Seal of the United States
reut.”After some discussion in the Department of State, it was decided that
the new die should follow exactly the design of the seal of 1885. The
appropriation, having lapsed before the die had been cut, was renewed by act
of March 3, 1903, which specified that the seal shoukd be “recut from the original
mode.”thus precluding any departure from the design of 1885. The die,
engraved in hardened steek by Baily, Banks & Riddle pf Philadelphia, was
first used on Jan. 27, 1904, and continues in current service. Measuring 3
inches in diameter, it may be distinguished from the seal of 1885 by its
greater depth and by minutes differences in the rays of the “glory.” In the
1885 sealall the rays are solid lines; in the 1904 seal every other ray is a dotted line. Like the earlier seal, it is
provided with a counter-die; and it is usually impressed over a paper wafer
pasted to the document, although examples are to be found without the waper.
The present dies and press are in the Recruiing and Seelectio Section of the
Division of Personnel Supervision and Management of the Department of State,
whe they are carefully kept under lock and key when not
actuallu in use.
Present seal. Obverse and
reverse
Print of present seal
Coloured version
1885 Legally,
the seal has two designations, “the great seal” and “the seal of the United
States,”both of which appear in acts of Congress and i a decision of the
Supreme Court and both of which are in general use. In the resolution of
Congress creating it, the seal is referred to as “the great seal,”and during
the early years of the Department of State that designation served to
distinguish it from the “seal of the Department, then ermed the “seal of
office”or “privy seal.”The act of 1789, however, declaring the seal of 1782
to be “the seaof the United
States,”mentions it in thise words; in documents to which it is affixed there
is long-standing precedent for the same wording; and
a publication of the Department of State of 1939 is so entitled. The
seal has a limited use which is strictly guarded by law. Wirg the expanding
functions of the Government, the extent of its use has been curtailed from
time to time by act of Congress or Executive order.
For instance, where formerly the seal was affixed to all
civil (not military or naval) commissions signed by the President, now
persons appointed by the President to serve under Cabinet officers other than
the Secretary of State are commissioned under the deals of the respetive
departments. At present the great seal is affixed to presidential
proclamations; instruments of ratification of treaties; full powers;
exequaturs; presidential warrants for the extradition of fugitives from the
justice of the United States; commissions of Cabinet officers; commissions of
Ambassadors, Ministers and other Foreign Service officers; and commissions of
all other civil officers appointed by the President which are not by law
required to issue under another seal. Also the seal is placed on the outside
of the envelope containing a letter of credence or other ceremonial
communication from the Prsident to the head of a foreign government. To
commissions that issue under the great seal, the Secretary of State is
required by law to cause the seal to be affixed after signature by the
President; for “any other instrument or act”the Secretary must have a special
warrant from the President directing him to do so. Except from some
proclamations ant the commissions of some civil officers, the seal is now
used anly in connection with internal affairs. Apart
from the seal, and as the emblem or coat of arms of the nation, the device of
the obverse is emplyed officially in innumerable ways, and sometimes in more
or less modified form, for purposes of decoration or identification. It
appears on medals, on stationery, on publicatiobs, on currency, on flags, in
paintings, and as architectural adornments; it forems part of the seal of the
President; and it is displayed in colour over the entrance of Embassies,
Legations, Consulates General, Consulates, Vice Consulates and Consular
Agencies. Richard S. Patterson [2] |
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Presidential Seal, 1784 The
seal of the President of the Continental Congress was a small oval cluster of
thirteen stars, surrounded by clouds, and was almost identical in design with
the crest of the seal of the United Staes (the Great Seal). It was used to
attest the verity of the President’s
signature until the latter was adopted and superseded it. The design
was afterwards changed, and it was made to conform closely to the Great Seal;
the only difference being that in the President’s seal the eagle’s head is
turned towards the sinister, and the stars are differently distributed. It is
used simply in sealing envelopes containing communications from the President
to Congress, the official seal for all Presidential acts being the seal of
the United States, or, if the law permits it, of one of the Executive
Departments. [3]
The President’s seals – Past and Present [4] Various
old versions of the Seal of the President of the United States, as printed in
an 1885 issue of the Daily Graphic, a New York newspaper. The large seal on
the left was made in 1850 by Edward Stabler, a Maryland farmer, postmaster, and
engraver who made many governmental seals at the time. It was made according
to the rough design submitted by President Fillmore, which can be seen at the
bottom center. The associated article said that a smaller version was made by
Stabler at the time, but since the seal in the upper right has only 27 stars
and is labeled "The Old Seal", it would instead appear to be an
earlier seal dating from about 1846. The seal in the bottom right was used by
Thomas Mifflin, the President of the Continental Congress, in 1784. It is a
reprint from an 1856 Harpers Magazine article by Benson J. Lossing. Date
1885; seals from 1783, 1850, and (possibly) 1846. The small seal on top right
with 27stars (1845-1846). The large seal on the left with 31 stars
(1851-1858).
Presidential Seal, 1894 The eagle’s head turned to
the sinister
Martigny presidential seal, 1903 [5] Description 1903 Martiny US presidential seal.png A bronze
plaque of the Seal of the
President of the United States, made from a model by
sculptor Philip Martiny in 1903, and installed in the floor of the north
entranceway of the White House (directly beneath the lantern) during Theodore
Roosevelt's administration. Also placed in the floor nearby was an
inscription of "1792-1902" in an ellipse of 45 stars (the number of
states at the time). During a 1948 renovation, President Truman had this
plaque moved to above the door to the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White
House, where it remains today. |
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When
in 1912 the number of states increased to 48 with the admission of Arizona
and New Mexico, the seal of the President was changed by adding a ring of as
many stars as the number of states of the Union. At
the same time the head of the eagle was turned to the dexter, and the halo
and the clouds of the crest were restyled.
USA Presidential seal with 48 stars (= 1912-1959)
USA Presidential seal with 50 stars (1960-present) Today the Presidential seal is on the pulpit of
the President when speaking in public and also on his air plane |
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Meeting
in Philadelphia in the 1790s, members of the early Senate so admired the
visually appealing Great Seal that they had it reproduced on a carpet woven
for their chamber. They also selected a
similar design for the first official Senate seal.
US Senate Seal 1798-1804 The earliest surviving impression from the first Senate seal appears
on a 1798 impeachment trial summons. It displays the 1782 american
eagle, with a shield at its breast, its talons clutching arrows and an olive
branch. Rays of light burst from clouds above the eagle, symbolizing
the emergence of the new nation. Legend: SENATE OF THE UNTED
STATES
1831 US Senate Seal In 1830, the Senate commissioned a replacement seal. Following
the then-popular neoclassical style, that device featured three goddesses
symbolizing Justice, Liberty, and Strength. A chain of twenty-four
links, representing the existing number of states, formed an encircling
border. That second seal appears among the official documents of
President Andrew Johnson’s 1868 impeachment trial. The nation’s 1876 centennial renewed interest in such national symbols
and prompted a redesign of the Great Seal. On March 31, 1885, the
Senate took notice of that redesign and ordered an updating of its own.
Heavily used during an 1876 impeachment trial, the old seal had been
left in poor condition in a Capitol basement. As the Senate approached
its one-hundredth anniversary, it paid a Philadelphia engraver $35 to design
a third version featuring a liberty cap above a central shield, emblazoned
with thirteen stars and an equal number of vertical stripes. |
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Black&white version 1886 |
Coloured version as on flag, 1980-ties |
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Arms: [Argent] six pales [Gules] and a chief [Azure] 13 five-pointed stars
[Argent] Crest: a cap of Liberty Gules, its
rim [Azure] inscribed LIBERTY Garland: Branches of Olive and Oak [ppr] Motto: E PLURIBUS UNUM in black
lettering on a white ribbon per fess over the shield. Legend: On a ring [Azure] UNITED STATES
SENATE [in white lettering] and two fasces in saltire [ppr]
in base Today, that seal - first used in 1886 - remains in the custody of the
Secretary of the Senate. Measuring one-and-a-half inches in diameter, it is
used on impeachment and treaty documents, and on presentation copies of
Senate resolutions recognizing appointments, commendations, and notable
achievements. Because
the official Senate seal is used only to authenticate official Senate
documents, and not normally as a general visual symbol, the Secretary of the
Senate has also authorized an alternative, non-official Senate seal. This
alternative seal, which features an eagle clutching arrows and an olive
branch in its talons, surrounded by the words "United States
Senate," is commonly used by Senate offices and is often displayed on
items sold in the Senate gift shop. Even more commonly seen perhaps is a
version of the Great Seal of the United States (which also depicts
an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch in its claws) surrounded by a
similar inscription These often appear on Senate web pages, on podiums when
senators speak, and other situations. The House of Representatives also uses similar designs for their unofficial seals, and since
the United States Congress as
a whole does not have an official seal, similar designs are often used with a
Congress inscription |
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History The National Security Agency
was created in November 1952 and has provided timely
information to U.S. decision makers and military leaders for more than 50
years. However, even before President Truman signed the memorandum
establishing the Agency, pioneer cryptologists laid the groundwork for an
organization that would play a critical role in the outcome of all major conflicts. Cryptologist legends such as William
and Elizebeth Friedman, Frank Rowlett, Agnes Meyer Driscoll and Herbert O.
Yardley are remembered for their brilliant contributions
but thousands of other men and women have quietly served their country
altering the course of this nation’s history and ensuring a free and safe
America. The history of cryptology is their story. The NSA/CSS boasts a rich
heritage and the people who have served their country in any cryptologic
capacity understand a legacy unknown to most Americans. From pre-WWI efforts
to the most recent conflicts, this nation’s cryptologists have been there
quietly protecting and exploiting signals intelligence. Their efforts and the use of
radio intercept, radio direction finding, and processing capabilities gave
the United States and its Allies a unique advantage in WWI. The lessons
learned here and advances in technology played a critical role in the
cryptologic successes in WWII. It was finally realized that cryptanalysts
needed to be coordinated under one agency so the Armed Forces Security Agency
was formed in 1949. The mission of this newly created agency was to conduct
communications intelligence and communications security activities within the
National Military Establishment. However, with its restrictive
organizational structure and a lack of a central agency for cryptologic
efforts, AFSA could not achieve its mission. It had
merely become the military branch for cryptology. The agency was therefore
redesigned and all cryptologic activities both
military and nonmilitary were brought together to form the National Security
Agency. Since its inception, the
Agency has taken responsibility for securing the nation’s communications
while exploiting foreign signals intelligence. Although inherently a secret
business, a public museum devoted to the history of cryptologists and their
work opened to the public in December 1993.
Memorabilia ranging from the German Enigma to the recently declassified Cray
computer decorate the museum hallways. The National Cryptologic Museum
attempts to pull back the veil of secrecy and gives visitors an insight into
the history of making and breaking codes. Visitors can get a feel for the legacy
and rich heritage that is the cornerstone of the National Security Agency. |
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The National Security Agency Insignia In 1965, LTG Marshall S.
Carter, USA, Director NSA, directed a device be designed to represent the
National Security Agency. The approved insignia is shown here and contains
much symbolism. The white semicircle border
displays the words National Security Agency around the top and United States
of America around the bottom separated on either side by a five pointed
silver star. The shape of the insignia, a circle, represents perpetuity of
its continuance, the symbol of eternity. In a blue field, an American
eagle, with wings inverted, is the centerpiece of the device. In heraldry,
the eagle is a symbol of courage, supreme power and authority. Use of the
eagle in the NSA insignia symbolizes the national scope of the mission of the
Agency. The eagle faces its right, the direction of peace (facing left would
symbolize war). The dexter and sinister
talons of the bird clutch a silver key. The key in the eagle’s talons,
representing the key to security, evolved from the emblem of St. Peter the
Apostle and his power to loose and to bind. It also
symbolizes the mission to protect and gain access to secrets. The breast of the eagle
boasts a chief blue escutcheon, supported by paleways of thirteen pieces of
red and white. The Escutcheon, or Shield, placed on the breast of the eagle
is a very ancient mode of bearing. A description of the Escutcheon, taken
from that of the Great Seal of the United States, explains that “the
escutcheon is composed of the chief and pale, the two most honorable
ordinaries (common figures). The pieces, paly, represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a
chief, which unites the whole and represents Congress.” In 1996, NSA Director Lt Gen
Kenneth A. Minihan, USAF, requested an emblem be created which represented
both the National Security Agency and Central Security Service. Although NSA
had its own emblem, one had not yet been made for
CSS. As a result, the emblem was designed and adopted in that year. The Intelligence
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, enacted 28 December
2001, amended the National Security Act of 1947 and codified the USCG as part
of the Intelligence Community. The new CSS seal was created in September 2002 to reflect the transformations taking place
within the Intelligence Community and NSA/CSS, particularly the admission of
the United States Coast Guard into the United States Cryptologic System. The new seal now displays all five of the Service Cryptologic Elements, which are
comprised of the United States Naval Security Group, the United States Marine
Corps, the United States Army's Intelligence Security Command, the United
States Air Forces' Air Intelligence Agency, and the USCG. Each are equally
balanced around a five point star on which is centered the symbol of NSA/CSS,
who provides the funding, direction, and guidance to all
of America's SIGINT activities. The House of Representatives
recognized the USCG's national security objectives in the areas of maritime
interception operations, port operations security and defense, military
environmental response operations, and peacetime
military engagement. The USCG is the only organization responsible for law
enforcement, intelligence, and military activities simultaneously. Section 10
of the Authorization added the USCG as an element of the Intelligence
Community and placed this organizational element on a par with those of other
armed services and agencies. |
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The
Central Intelligence Agency was created on July 26, 1947, when Harry S.
Truman signed the National Security Act into law. A major
impetus for the creation of the CIA was the unforeseen attack on Pearl
Harbor. In addition, towards the end of World War II the U.S.
government felt the need for a group to coordinate intelligence efforts. The
CIA is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the United
States federal government, tasked with gathering, processing, and
analyzing national security information from around the world,
primarily through the use of human intelligence (HUMINT). As one of
the principal members of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), the
CIA reports to the Director of National Intelligence and is
primarily focused on providing intelligence for
the President and Cabinet.
CIA seal, 17.02.1950 Section
2 of the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949
provided for a seal of office for CIA. The design of the seal was approved and set forth
on 17 February 1950 in President Harry Truman's Executive Order 10111. In this Order, the CIA seal is described in
heraldic terms as follows: SHIELD: Argent, a compass rose of sixteen
points gules. CREST: On a wreath argent and gules an
American bald eagle's head erased proper. Below the shield on a gold color scroll the
inscription "United States of America" in red letters and
encircling the shield and crest at the top the inscription "Central
Intelligence Agency" in white letters. All on a circular blue background with a
narrow gold edge. Interpretation of the CIA Seal:
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Over
the years, the FBI seal has undergone several changes. In its early years, the
Bureau used the Department of Justice seal.
The
Act of 24 September 1789 provided for an Attorney General of the United
States, and 2 June 1870 the Department of Justice was created with the
Attorney-Genral as its head. Section 353 of the Revised Statutes (5 March
1872) declares: The seal heretofore provided for the office of the
Attorney-General shall be, with such changed as the Presiden shall approve,
the seal of the Department of Justice.” The
seal now in use , therefore , is substantially the same as the one adopted by
the Attorney-Gneral before the Department was formed. No device was ever
prescribed by law. It consists of the
arms of the Union, augmented with 13 stars in the chief, resting thereupon
the American eagle The
first official FBI seal was
adopted in 1935, modifying the Department of Justice logo by adding “Federal
Bureau of Investigation” and “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity” to the outer
band. In 1940, Special Agent Leo Gauthier—a draftsman, artist, and
illustrator—presented a new design based on an earlier Bureau flag that he
had created. This design was readily accepted and has been the Bureau’s
symbol ever since.
Each
symbol and color in the FBI seal has special significance. The blue field of the seal and the scales on the
shield represent justice. The
endless circle of 13 stars denotes unity of purpose as exemplified by the
original 13 states. The
laurel leaf has, since early civilization, symbolized academic honors,
distinction, and fame. There
are 46 leaves in the two branches, since there were 46 states in the Union
when the FBI was founded in 1908. The
significance of the red and white pales lies in their colors. Red
traditionally stands for courage, valor, strength, while white conveys
cleanliness, light, truth, and peace. As in the American flag, the red bars
exceed the white by one. The
motto, “Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity,” succinctly describes the motivating
force behind the men and women of the FBI The
peaked bevelled edge which circumscribes the seal symbolizes the severe
challenges confronting the FBI and the ruggedness of the organization. The
gold color in the seal conveys its overall value. Fidelity,
Bravery, Integrity—The FBI Motto The
origins of the FBI’s motto may be traced to a brief comment by Inspector W.
H. Drane Lester, the editor of the employee magazine, The Investigator, in
September 1935: “F
B I” At
last we have a name that lends itself to dignified abbreviation the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, which quite naturally becomes “F B I.” In the past
our nicknames, which the public are so prone to give us, have been many and
varied. “Justice Agents”, “D. J. Men”, “Government Men” are but a few of
them, with the Bureau itself incorrectly referred to as “Crime Bureau”,
“Identification Bureau” and “Crime Prevention Bureau.” The latest
appellation, and perhaps the one which has become most widespread, is
“G-Men’, an abbreviation itself for “Government Men.” |
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Central Security Service |
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The Central Security Service Insignia In 1996, NSA Director Lt Gen
Kenneth A. Minihan, USAF, requested an emblem be created which represented both
the National Security Agency and Central Security Service. Although NSA had
its own emblem, one had not yet been made for CSS.
As a result, the emblem was designed and adopted in that year. The Intelligence
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, enacted 28 December
2001, amended the National Security Act of 1947 and codified the USCG as part
of the Intelligence Community. The new CSS seal was created in September 2002 to reflect the transformations taking place
within the Intelligence Community and NSA/CSS, particularly the admission of
the United States Coast Guard into the United States Cryptologic System. The new seal now displays all five of the Service Cryptologic Elements, which are
comprised of the United States Naval Security Group, the United States Marine
Corps, the United States Army's Intelligence Security Command, the United
States Air Forces' Air Intelligence Agency, and the USCG. Each are equally
balanced around a five point star on which is centered the symbol of NSA/CSS, who
provides the funding, direction, and guidance to all
of America's SIGINT
activities. The
House of Representatives recognized the USCG's national security objectives in the areas of
maritime interception operations, port operations security and defense,
military environmental response operations, and peacetime
military engagement. The USCG is the only organization responsible for law
enforcement, intelligence, and military activities simultaneously. Section 10
of the Authorization added the USCG as an element of the Intelligence
Community and placed this organizational element on a par with those of other
armed services and agencies. |
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Organization Under
the United States Constitution, the President of the United States is the
Commander in Chief of the armed forces. To coordinate military action with
diplomatic action, the President has an advisory National Security Council. Under
the President is the United States Secretary of Defense, a Cabinet Secretary
responsible for the Department of Defense. Both
the President and Secretary are advised by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff. During
the peacetime that followed World War II, the military applied lessons
learned from the war, adopting a new system of organization under a single
secretary of defense. The system established the U.S. Air Force, the Joint
Chiefs of Staff and new commands made up of components from more than one
military service. These new multi-service or unified commands had broad,
continuing missions and were intended to ensure that forces from the Army,
Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps would all work together. The
unified commands were either responsible for a geographical area (like Europe
or the Pacific) or a specific function, such as transportation. In
accordance with the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 (which fundamentally
changed the organization of the Department) the 4 service chiefs together
with the chairman and the vice chairman form the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The
Joint Chiefs serve only in an advisory and administrative capacity, with
operational control flowing from the President and Secretary of Defense
directly to the Commanders of the Unified Combatant Commands (see
Goldwater-Nichols Act). Each service is responsible for providing military
units to the commanders of the various Unified Commands. National Command
organizational chart |
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Structure
of the United States National Security Council (2005) |
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Chair |
President
of the United States |
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Regular
Attendees |
Vice
President Secretary
of State Secretary
of the Treasury Secretary
of Defense Assistant
to the President for National Security Affairs |
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Military Advisor |
Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff |
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Intelligence Advisor |
irector
of National Intelligence - Note: prior to 21.04.2005 this Dposition was filled by the Director
of Central Intelligence |
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Additional Participants |
Chief
of Staff to the President Counsel
to the President Assistant
to the President for Economic Policy |
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President of the United States |
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Seal of the President of the
United States, Commander
in Chief of the Armed Forces. The
National Security Council was created in 1947
by the National Security Act. The context was a bureaucratic
concurrence between the Navy and Field Army. President Truman had made a
prudent choice because he managed to make both of them happy. The
National Security Council (NSC) of the United States is the principal forum used by the
President of the United States for
considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security
advisors and cabinet officials. Since its inception under President Harry
Truman, the function of the Council has been to advise and assist the
President on national security and foreign policies. The Council also serves
as the President's principal arm for coordinating these policies among
various government agencies. The United States NSC has counterparts in many
other countries' National Security Councils. The
decision process inside the structure has become less and less formal, but
influence of the Council has become stronger and stronger. |
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Secretary of defense |
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Seal of
the Department of Defense. Presentl coloured version Seal: [On a light blue disc]
The American Eagle [proper], on his breast an escutcheon paly of thirteen
Argent and Gules and a chief Azure, in his claws thee arrows and above his
head a halo of thirteen five-pointed stars [Or]. In base a garland of olive
and laurel branches [proper]. Legend: DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA [in white lettering on a dark blue border].
Seal of the Department of Defense. Original black and white
version. |
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Office of the Secretary of Defense |
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Identification Badge
OSD id-badge I Description. a. Regular Size: The
badge, 2 inches in diameter, consists of an eagle with wings displayed
horizontally grasping three crossed arrows all gold bearing on its breast a shield
paleways of thirteen pieces argent and gules a chief azure, a gold annulet
passing behind the wing tips bearing thirteen gold stars above the eagle and
a wreath of laurel and olive in green enamel below the eagle, the whole
superimposed on a silver sunburst of 33 rays.
b. The miniature badge is 1 1/2 inches in diameter and is of the same design
as the regular size badge except the shield has 9 stripes (5 white and 4
red).
c. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) lapel button is 37/64 inch in
diameter and the shield has five stripes (3 white and 2 red). II
Symbolism. The elements on the OSD
badge are taken from the Department of Defense seal. III
Award eligibility. Criteria for
award of the OSD Identification Badge is established by DOD Directive
1348.13. IVDate approved. The badge was
originally approved as the National Military Establishment Identification
Badge by the Secretary of Defense per memorandum dated 25 March 1949. It was
redesignated the Department of Defense Identification Badge on 28 August
1950. The badge was reestablished and redesignated the Office of the
Secretary of Defense Identification Badge by DOD Directive 1348.13 dated 20
December 1962 and authorized for service of not less than one year subsequent
to 13 January 1961. |
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The 4 service chiefs together with the chairman and
the vice chairman form the joint chiefs of staff. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief of Staff of the United States Army Chief of Naval Operations Commandant of the Marine Corps Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
JCS-badge Identification badge I. Description.
a. Regular Size: Within an oval silver metal wreath of laurel, 2¼ inches in
height and 2 inches in width overall, the shield of the United States (the
chief in blue enamel and the 13 stripes alternating white and red enamel)
superimposed on four gold metal unsheathed swords, two in pale and two in
saltire with points to chief, the points and pommels resting on the wreath,
the blades and grips entwined with a gold metal continuous scroll surrounding
the shield with the word JOINT at the top and the words CHIEFS OF STAFF at
the bottom, all in blue enamel letters.
b. Miniature Size: The miniature badge is 1½ inches in height and 13/8 inches in width. The design is the same as
the regular badge except the shield on the miniature has 9 stripes.
c. Lapel Button: The lapel button is 9/16 inch in height and ½ inch in width
and is of the same design as the badges except the shield has 5 stripes. II. Symbolism.
Laurel is symbolic of achievement, courage, and victory. The four unsheathed
swords refer to the armed might of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps
and their combined constant vigilance and readiness in the defense of the
United States. iii.
award eligibility. Criteria for the award of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)
Identification Badge are established by JCS Memorandum of Policy (MOP) 142. iv.
date approved. Proposed designs were prepared by The Institute of Heraldry
and submitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 21 February 1963. On 2 April
1963, the JCS approved a MOP, which established the JCS Identification Badge. |
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Unified Combatant Commands |
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There
are 9 Unified Combatant Commands- 5 geographic and 4 functional. |
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The Five Geographic Commands |
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Organization Depicted
below is a world map from the Unified Command Plan showing the geographic
responsibilities of the combatant commanders
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Command |
Home Base |
Area of Responsibility |
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(NORTHCOM) |
Peterson Air Force Base Colorado |
North American homeland defense and coordinating homeland security
with civilian forces. |
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U.S.
Central Command (CENTCOM), |
Macdill
Air Force Base, Florida. |
The
Horn of Africa through the Persian Gulf
region, into Central Asia. |
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U.S.
European Command (EUCOM) |
SHAPE
(Supreme Headquarters
Allied Powers Europe), Belgium |
Europe
and African and Middle Eastern nations not covered by CENTCOM. |
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U.S.
Pacific Command (PACOM) |
Honolulu, Hawaii |
The Asia-Pacific region including Hawaii. |
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U.S.
Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) |
Miami, Florida |
South, Central America and the surrounding waters |
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U.S. Northern Command
(NORTHCOM) |
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U.S. Central Command
(USCENTCOM) |
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The
United States Central Command
(USCENTCOM) is a theater-level
Unified Combatant Command unit of the U.S. armed forces, established in 1983
under the operational control of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. It was
originally conceived of as the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF). Its
area of responsibility includes countries in the Middle East, North Africa,
and Central Asia, most notably Afghanistan and Iraq. CENTCOM has been the
main American presence in many military operations, including the Gulf War,
the United States war in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Forces from CENTCOM
currently are deployed primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan in combat roles and
have bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman,
Pakistan, and central Asia in support roles. CENTCOM forces have also been
deployed in Jordan, and Saudi Arabia in the past, although no substantial
forces are based in those countries as of 2009. Of
the six American regional unified commands, CENTCOM is one of three regional
unified commands whose headquarters are not within its area of operations.
CENTCOM's main headquarters is located at MacDill Air Force Base, in Tampa,
Florida, although a forward headquarters was established in 2002 at Camp As
Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar, which transitioned to a new forward headquarters at
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in 2009 to serve American strategic interests of
the Iraq region. |
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U.S. European Command
(EUCOM) |
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U.S. Pacific Command
(PACOM) |
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U.S. Southern Command
(SOUTHCOM) |
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The Four Functional Commands |
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U.S.
Special Operations Command (SOCOM) |
Macdill
Air Force Base,
Florida. |
Provides
special operations for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. |
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U.S.
Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) |
Norfolk, Virginia |
Supports other commands as a joint force provider. |
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U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) |
Offut
Air Force Base, Nebraska |
Covers
the strategic deterrent force and coordinates the use of space assets. |
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U.S.
Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) |
Scott
Air Force Base, Illinois |
Covers global mobility of all military assets for all regional
commands. |
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U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS
COMMAND |
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UNITED STATES ATLANTIC COMMAND / JOINT FORCES COMMAND |
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Joint
Forces Command's origins trace back to 1947 During
the peacetime that followed World War II, the military applied lessons learned
from the war, adopting a new system of organization under a single secretary
of defense. The system established the U.S. Air Force, the Joint Chiefs of
Staff and new commands made up of components from more than one military
service. These new multi-service or unified commands had broad, continuing
missions and were intended to ensure that forces from the Army, Navy, Air
Force and Marine Corps would all work together. The
unified commands were either responsible for a geographical area (like Europe
or the Pacific) or a specific function, such as transportation. Atlantic
Command (now U.S. Joint Forces Command) was created as the unified command
with responsibility for the Atlantic Ocean geographical region. Due
to the maritime nature of its missions, Atlantic Command was integrated with
the Navy's existing Atlantic Fleet and was primarily staffed by Navy and
Marine Corps personnel. Its initial mission was to guard sea lanes between
Europe and the U.S. East Coast. As the Cold War heated up during the second
half of the century, Atlantic Command's mission proved crucial protecting sea
lanes in the Atlantic. USJFCOM
was formed in 1999 when the old United States Atlantic Command was renamed
and given a new mission: leading the transformation of the U.S. military
through experimentation and education.
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U.S. STRATEGIC COMMAND |
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U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND |
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Military Departments |
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Mission The Army’s mission is to fight and win our Nation’s
wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of
military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant
commanders. We do this by: • Executing Title 10 and Title 32 United States Code
directives, to include organizing, equipping, and training forces for the
conduct of prompt and sustained combat operations on land. • Accomplishing missions assigned by the President,
Secretary of Defense and combatant commanders, and Transforming for the
future. Organisation The Army, as one of the three military departments
(Army, Navy and Air Force) reporting to the Department of Defense, is
composed of two distinct and equally important components: the active component
and the reserve components. The reserve components are the United States Army
Reserve and the Army National Guard. Regardless of component, The Army conducts both
operational and institutional missions. The operational Army consists of numbered
armies, corps, divisions, brigades, and battalions that conduct full spectrum
operations around the world. (Operational Unit Diagram and descriptions). The
institutional Army supports the operational Army. Institutional organizations
provide the infrastructure necessary to raise, train, equip, deploy, and
ensure the readiness of all Army forces. The training base provides military
skills and professional education to every Soldier—as well as members of
sister services and allied forces. It also allows The Army to expand rapidly
in time of war. The industrial base provides world-class equipment and
logistics for The Army. Army installations provide the power-projection
platforms required to deploy land forces promptly to support combatant
commanders. Once those forces are deployed, the institutional Army provides
the logistics needed to support them. Without the institutional Army, the
operational Army cannot function. Without the operational Army, the
institutional Army has no purpose. |
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY SEAL I.
War Office seal Background: The traditional seal used during and since the Revolution was
redesignated as the Seal of the Department of the Army by the National
Security Act of 1947. The Department of the Army seal is authorized by
Section 3011, Title 10, United States Code. The date "MDCCLXXVIII"
and the designation "War Office" are indicative of the origin of
the seal. The date (1778) refers to the year of its adoption. The term
"War Office" used during the Revolution, and for many years
afterward, was associated with the Headquarters of the Army. |
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Description:
In the center is a Roman cuirass below a vertical unsheathed
sword, point up, the pommel resting on the neck opening of the cuirass and a
Phrygian cap supported on the sword point, all between on the right an
esponton and on the left a musket with fixed bayonet crossed in saltire
behind the cuirass and passing under the sword guard. To the right of the
cuirass and esponton is a flag of unidentified designs with cords and
tassels, on a flagstaff with spearhead, above a cannon barrel, the muzzle end
slanting upward behind the cuirass, in front of the drum, with two drumsticks
and the fly end of the flag draped over the drumhead; below, but partly in
front of the cannon barrel, is a pile of three cannon balls. To the left of |
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the
cuirass and musket is a national color of the Revolutionary War period, with
cords and tassels, on a flagstaff with spearhead, similarly arranged above a
mortar on a carriage, the mortar facing inward
and in front of the lower portion of the color and obscuring the lower part
of it; below the mortar are two bomb shells placed side by side. Centered
above the Phrygian cap is a rattlesnake holding in its mouth a scroll
inscribed "This We’ll Defend." Centered below the cuirass are the
Roman numerals "MDCCLXXVIII." Symbolism: The central element, the Roman cuirass, is a symbol of strength and
defense. The sword, esponton (a type of half-pike formerly used by
subordinate officers), musket, bayonet, cannon, cannon balls, mortar, and
mortar bombs are representative of Army implements. The drum and drumsticks
are symbols of public notification of the Army’s purpose and intent to serve
the Nation and its people. The Phrygian cap (often called the Cap of Liberty)
supported on the point of an unsheathed sword and the motto "This We’ll
Defend" on a scroll held by the rattlesnake is a symbol depicted on some
American colonial flags and signifies the Army’s constant readiness to defend
and preserve the United States. Current
Usage: This "War Office" seal continues to
be used to this day when legal certification is necessary to authenticate as
"official" documents and records of the Department of the Army. Information
Provided by The Institute of Heraldry - March 1998 The traditional War Office
seal used since the Revolution was designated as the Department of the Army
Seal by the National Security Act of 1947. The date “MDCCLXXVIII” and the
designation “War Office” are from the seal. The date (1778) refers to
the year of its adoption. The term “Board of War and Ordnance, United States
of America” was used during the Revolution, later shortened to “United States
of America, War Office” and was always associated with the Headquarters
of the Army since the Navy had its own seal. The center of the
seal is a Roman cuirass below a vertical unsheathed sword, point up, with the
pommel resting on the neck opening of the cuirass and a Phrygian cap (the
emblem of freedom during that period) supported on the sword point. The
entire central device is a group of military trophies. Over this is a serpent
holding in its mouth a scroll inscribed “This We’ll Defend”. Beneath the
trophies are the Roman numerals for 1778. |
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II.
Department of the Army Seal Background: Prior to the establishment of the Department of the Army
Emblem, there was no official display item to identify the Army. The Army
seal had traditionally been used to authenticate documents only and was not
authorized for display. In recognizing the need to provide a display item,
The Secretary of the Army approved the emblem design as the official emblem
to represent the Army on 29 January 1974. Description: The Army emblem is derived from the Army seal and
differs from the seal in several respects: a. The emblem
is displayed in color while the seal is not. b. The emblem
includes the inscription "Department of the Army" instead of the
seal inscription "War Office". c. On the
emblem, the American flag is on its own right (observers left) to reflect the
current custom for display of flags. The Army flag pattern has been added to
the other flag. d. The Roman
numerals "MDCCLXXVIII" which indicate the date the Army seal was
adopted, were replaced with the date "1775" to reflect the date the
Army was established. Symbolism: The symbolism for the elements of the Army emblem is
the same as for the Army seal with the above deviations and additions: The
colors of the design elements are those traditionally associated with the
ideals of the United States and of the Army. The flags are in proper colors.
Blue is symbolic of loyalty, vigilance, perseverance, and truth. Red denotes
courage, zeal, and fortitude. White alludes to deeds worthy of remembrance.
Black is indicative of determination and constancy. Gold represents
achievement, dignity, and honor. Current Usage: The reproduction of the Army emblem is authorized in
publications and other printed matter of an official or quasi-official nature
in Army approved films and in official Army motion pictures or television
programs. The design may not be modified in any manner. It may be reproduced
in its proper colors, through the use of a one-color line process, or as a
line drawing. The use of the Army emblem for any other purposes, including
its incorporation in other items for commercial sale, will be only as
authorized by The Institute of Heraldry. Information Provided by The Institute of Heraldry -
March 1998 |
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Army Staff
Identification Badge I. Description: The Coat of Arms of the
United States in gold with the stripes of the shield to be enameled white and
red and chief of the shield and the sky of the glory to be enameled blue,
superimposed on a five-pointed black enameled star; in each reentrant angle
of the star are three green enameled laurel leaves. The star is 3
inches in diameter for the Chief of Staff and former Chiefs of Staff and a 2
inches in diameter badge is authorized for all other personnel awarded the
badge. II. Symbolism: The
badge is based on the General Staff insignia with a black star in lieu of the
Silver Star. The addition of the laurel leaves indicate achievement. III.Award Eligibility:
The badge is awarded by principal officials of Headquarters, Department of
the Army to military personnel serving on their staff and within their
subordinate agencies. Eligibility criteria for wear and permanent issue
are contained in Department of the Army Memorandum 672-1. Permanent
issue must be authorized by principal officials with the certificate of authorization
constituting authority for wearing the badge as a permanent part of the
uniform. IV.Date approved:
The badge was first proposed by General MacArthur, while Chief of Staff, in a
conversation with Brigadier General Andrew Moses, then Assistant Chief of Staff,
G1, War Department General Staff, on 28 December 1931. Subsequently, the
badge was designed by the Office of the Quartermaster General and approved by
the Chief of Staff, General MacArthur, on 28 July 1933. It was announced on
23 August 1933 in War Department Circular No. 45 and award was made
retroactive to 4 June 1920. Sergeants Major were authorized to be awarded the
badge effective 30 September 1978 and the effective date for Warrant Officers
was 22 August 1979.The lapel button for civilian personnel in the grade of
GS-11 and higher was authorized effective 1 July 1982. The Army Chief of
Staff, General Wickham, also approved a change in the name of the badge from
Army General Staff Identification Badge to Army Staff Identification Badge.
On 4 May 2004, the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, approved changes to the
eligibility requirements. V.Subdued Badge:
The Army Staff Identification Badge is not authorized to be worn or
manufactured in a subdued version. VI. Miniature
Badges: A miniature badge with 7 stripes in the chief instead of 13
stripes and 1 ½ inches in diameter was authorized on 23 June 1989. |
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Major Commands |
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US
army Europe |
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US army Pacific |
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The
USARPAC Insignia The insignia of the U.S. Army, Pacific was originally designed and approved for U.S. Army forces Pacific Ocean Areas on February 23, 1945. The patch contains a red arrow and white stars on a blue field. The red arrow of war denotes the valor and self-sufficiency of the forces of the command. The blue field represents the vast expanse of the command area. The white stars portray the North Star, Big Dipper and the Southern Cross, which locate the command headquarters. The stars of the insignia also recall a key date in the history of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific. The total of 12 stars represents the month of December, the seven stars of the Big Dipper, the 7th day, and the four stars of the Southern Cross plus the North Star, the year '41: 12-7-41 - December 7, 1941, the date of the United States' entry into World War II. |
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Eight U.S. Army Korea |
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U.S. army Forces command |
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U.S.
army special Forces command |
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U.S. Army Space and
Missile Defense Command (SMDC), |
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Distinctive
Unit Insignia
Description/Blazon
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height consisting of a black scroll doubled and inscribed "SECURE THE HIGH GROUND" in gold issuing a light blue demi-globe gridlined gold below and arched blue background bearing an arc of gold stars, overall an American eagle in proper colors in flight. Symbolism
The eagle above the globe symbolizes the unit's mission and reflects the motto. The arc of stars simulates a gateway and suggests control of space as the determining factor in total preparedness and military defense. Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command on 16 July 1996 while the organization was a Field Operating Agency (FOA) of the Chief of Staff. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command effective 1 October 1997 as a result of a change of name and establishment of the unit as a Major Army Command. TIOH |
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Shoulder
Sleeve Insignia
Description/Blazon
On a blue shield with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) red border, 3 1/4 inches (8.26 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width overall, two arced red flashes fimbriated yellow point to point between an eagle's head in proper colors and a white demi-sphere gridlined blue issuing from base. Symbolism
Red, white, and blue are our National colors. The eagle, our National symbol, denotes freedom and constant vigilance. The gridlined sphere symbolizes the worldwide scope of the command's mission, while the flashes represent all-encompassing strike capability and quick response. Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized for U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command on 21 March 1996 while the organization was a Field Operating Agency (FOA) of the Chief of Staff. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command effective 1 October 1997 as a result of a change of name and establishing the unit a Major Army Command. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-826) |
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US
Army Military Police Corps |
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Achievement Arms: Vert, a fasces per pale charged with a balance, a
sword and a key in saltire, Or, the rods of the faces brown. Crest: On a wreath of the colors two pistols in saltire Or Supporter: The American Eagle Motto: ASSIST PROTECT DEFEND in
lettering Vert on a ribbon Or. Title: MILITARY POLICE CORPS On the Regimental Flag on a
green cloth. |
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Distinctive Unit Insignia
Arms: Vert, a fasces per pale charged with a balance, a sword
and a key in saltire, Or, the rods of the faces brown. Crest: Pistols in saltire Or Motto: ASSIST PROTECT DEFEND in lettering Vert on a ribbon Or. |
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Branch Insignia and -Plaque
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Breast Badge
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US Army Criminal Investigation Division Badge
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Provost Marshal General
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Seal |
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First
Navy Board seal with the signature of the secretary The first “Navy” seal was adopted
by the Continental Congress on 4 May 1780.
Board of Admiralty Seal Board of Admiralty Seal –
is based on information found in Rough Journals of the Continental Congress.
This representation was prepared at the request of the Secretary of the Navy
for President John F. Kennedy. The seal is on a circular background, with a
three masted square rigged ship underway, supported by a stylized sea scroll,
over an inclined anchor. Below the anchor is a scroll with the Latin
words SUSTENTANS ET
SUSTENTATUM, which means “sustaining and having sustained,” or “upholding
and having upheld.” The inscription around the edge is USA SIGIL. NAVAL at the top and thirteen
stars around the bottom.
Navy Seal Official Seal of the
United States Navy Official Seal of the
United States Navy – is officially described as: “Consists of the shield of
the United States in front of an American bald eagle, wings spread, perched
upon a Luce-type anchor, which is displayed on a light background. The emblem
is encircled with a navy blue band edged in a gold rope rim and inscribed UNITED STATES at the top and NAVY at the bottom, separated
on each side by a mullet and within a rim in the form of a rope, mullet and
edges of annulet all gold.” |
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Marine Corps |
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Emblem
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U.S. AIR FORCE SYMBOL
History In the late 1990s, Air Force
senior leadership recognized the need to design an official symbol and
develop a centralized theme to encourage young people to join, encourage airmen
to stay and to build understanding, appreciation and support for America's
Air Force. They directed a commercial company, specializing in corporate
branding, to research and develop a unique symbol. Company representatives
traveled throughout the Air Force and to major U.S. cities to conduct
research and become intimately familiar with the Air Force and its culture,
environment and heritage. The new Air Force symbol is
based on the familiar WW II "Hap" Arnold wings and represents the
service's proud heritage. The symbol’s modern design represents the Air
Force’s present and future leading edge capabilities defending our nation.
Seal Description: Shield: Per fess nebuly
abased Azure and Argent, in chief a thunderbolt Or inflamed proper. Crest: On a wreath
Argent and Azure an American bald eagle wings displayed and partially
elevated proper in front of a cloud Argent. Seal: On a blue disk
and encircling the shield and crest, an arc of thirteen stars and below the
shield the inscription "MCMXLVII". On a band encircling the whole,
the inscriptions "DEPARTMENT
OF THE AIR FORCE" and "UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA". Symbolism: Ultramarine
blue and yellow are the colors of the Air Force. The nebuly division of the
shield represents clouds. The thunderbolt signifies the striking power
through the use of aerospace. The eagle symbolizes the United States and its
airpower. The white clouds behind the eagle reflect the start of a new sky.
The thirteen stars represent the original thirteen colonies. The Roman
Numeral MXMXLVII (1947) is the year the Air Force was established as a
separate Service. The design was approved by the President of the United
States on November 1, 1947. |
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Roundel Wings
Pilot
Senior Pilot
Command Pilot |
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U.S. Coast Guard |
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Ancient Emblem |
Seal |
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1861-1865 |
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The Confederacy was originally
formed by seven secessionist slave-holding states – South Carolina,
Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas – in the Lower
South region whose regional economy was heavily dependent upon agriculture,
particularly cotton, and a plantation system that relied upon the labor of
African-American slaves. After the Confederate attack
on Fort Sumter 12 April
1861, and Lincoln's subsequent call for troops on 15 April four more states
declared their secession in May: Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee and.North
Carolina. The American Civil War broke
out in April 1861 with a Confederate victory at the
Battle of Fort Sumter in Charleston. The war ended when General in
Chief of the Confederate forces Robert E. Lee, surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia
at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9,
1865. The coat of arms of the Confederation appeared on coins minted in 1861. It was: Arms: Argent, seven pales Gules, a chief Azure, seven
five-pointed stars Argent 4 &3 Crest: A cap of liberty Garland: Of cotton and wheat
Half Dollar, 1861 |
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The Seal of the
Confederated States The Confederates States adopted a great seal on 30 April
1863. Its device is of the equestrian statue of George Washington on Capitol
Square in Richmond (Virginia), surrounded by a garland of agricultural crops:
wheat, rice, sugar cane, cotton and tobacco. The legend reads: « the confederate states of
america 22 february 1862.« deo vindice (God as Our Defender). Later, when the war was over,
many coloured versions were made.
Statue of George Washington, Ricmond |
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Flags of the Confederation adopted 1861-1863 |
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Configuration of arms, seal, flags and supporters (after 1863). In the chief of the arms eight stars |
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Bibliography American Historcal Review. American Historical
Association. Vol. 82 N°3.
June 1977. Frontispiece.
Boney, F.N.: The Great Seal of the Confederacy. In:
The Encyclopaedia Americana. New York, 1972. Hunt, G.: History of the Seal of the United States.
Dept. of State, 1909. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789.
Washington, 1904-1937. Patterson, R.S.: Seal of the United States. In:
Encyclopaedia Brittanica, 1941. Patterson, R.S.: The Old Treaty Seal of the United
States. In: The American Service Journal. Vol. 26, March 1949. Pp. 14-16
& 44. Smith, W.: Great Seal of the United States. In:
Encyclopaedia Americana. New York, 1972. Totten, C.A.L.: Seal of History. New Haven, 1897,
Vol. I. Zieber, E.: Heraldry in America. Philadelphia 1909. Pp. 94-105. |
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© Hubert de Vries 2017-12-23
Heraldry of the World