Armorial of Germany

After the end of the Third Reich, Germany had lost significant parts of its territory and was divided into four occupation zones.

Only the historic city-states of Hamburg and Bremen survived the end of the Third Reich without significant changes of their territory.

Solf believed that these would serve to advertise Germany's power, and would encourage German pride amongst the colonials.

Kaiser Wilhelm was enthusiastic about the idea, and drafts were prepared for his inspection by Solf in conjunction with the Heraldry Office and the Duke of Mecklenburg.

This was in part because giving the colonies their own insignia in times of war could have let them have symbols to rally around in rebellion.