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The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

The Corporation of the City of Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
January 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 140

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.

Blazon

Arms

Azure on a fess wavy Argent between a paddle steamer in full sail issuant therefrom proper and in base a beehive beset with eleven bees Or, a beaver proper;

Crest

A demi-sun Or issuant from clouds proper within a coronet Or of cinquefoils Azure;

Supporters

Dexter a stag proper sinister a lion guardant Or each charged on the shoulder with a pierced cinquefoil Ermine;

Motto

I ADVANCE;

Motto

COMMERCE • PRUDENCE • INDUSTRY;

Symbolism

Arms

The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The design is based on a coat of arms assumed by the city in the early 19th century. The beaver is a traditional Canadian symbol, while the beehive likely represents industriousness and hard work. The wavy band and the paddle steamer allude to Hamilton’s status as a port city.

Crest

The cinquefoil is the emblem of the Scottish Clan Hamilton and therefore alludes to the city’s founder, George Hamilton.

Supporters

The stag is a creature found in the Dundas Valley. The cinquefoil repeats the symbolism of the Crest.

Motto

I ADVANCE.

Motto

These words represent important values for the city.

Background

In general, there will be no images shown for emblems registered, confirmed or related to Supplementary Letters Patent.

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.

Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Edward Acraman (1847).

Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres

Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet

Recipient Information

Civil Institution
Government

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 20 December 1962.