As the sovereign emblem of the Principality of Liechtenstein, its use is reserved for the members of the Princely House and state authorities.
The arms are a history of the Princely House, and show the many different areas of Europe with which Liechtenstein has been involved, either by conquest or by marriage.
[1] It is referred to in blazon as: Quarterly (1) Or an Eagle displayed Sable crowned and armed of the first charged with a crescent trefly Argent ending in crosses (2) Barry of eight Or and Sable charged with crancelin Vert (3) Per pale Gules and Argent (4) Or a maiden eagle displayed Sable the human part Argent crowned and armed of the first (Enty in point chapé) in base Azure a Hunting Horn stringed Or (Overall) An Escutcheon per fess Or and Gules The whole achievement (entire rendering with supporters) is surrounded by the Princely cloak, or mantle, Purpure and lined Ermine and ensigned with the Princely hat.
Each of the eleven municipalities of Liechtenstein bears a shield, which contain a wide range of heraldic features.
The capital municipality, Vaduz, has the most complex, recognising its status as the home of the ruling house.