Quaternion Eagle

The number of quaternions was usually ten, in descending order of precedence: The list could be shortened or expanded, by the mid-16th century to as many as 45.

[5][6][7][8] It is likely that this system was first introduced under Emperor Sigismund, who is assumed to have commissioned the frescoes in Frankfurt city hall in 1414.

Over its long history, the Holy Roman Empire used many different heraldic forms, representing its numerous internal divisions.

One rendition of the coat of the empire was the Quaternion Eagle, printed by David de Negker of Augsburg after a 1510 woodcut by Hans Burgkmair.

The Imperial Eagle beakers showed the solidarity between the owner and the Empire and were very popular because of their decorativeness and luminous colors.

The Quaternion Eagle (1510, from woodcut by Hans Burgkmair and Jost de Negker )
Quaternions ( Anton III Wierix , 1606).
The ten quaternions are shown underneath the emperor flanked by the prince-electors ( Archbishop of Trier , Archbishop of Cologne , Archbishop of Mainz ; King of Bohemia , Count Palatine , Duke of Saxony , Margrave of Brandenburg ).
Quaternion Eagle, hand-coloured woodcut by Hans Burgkmair , c. 1510 .
An example of a Reichsadlerhumpen on display at the Deutsches Historisches Museum