Arms of Connecticut

detail from an engraving of a facsimile of the  Declaration of Independence. 
Published by John Binns, 1818/19.

Library of Congress Online Catalog http://lccn.loc.gov/2003690785

The design of the seal depicting the arms of Connecticut was adopted by the State in 1784.  The imagery on the shield depicts three grapevines and a ribbon below with the Latin motto: Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He who transplanted still sustains).The grapevines are said to represent  the three original colonies of Connecticut: (Hartford), Quinnipiac (New-Haven), and Saybrook, though they may also represent the first three settlements of the Connecticut colony proper- Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield, as New Haven and Saybrook were reluctant additions to Connecticut.

The detail of the State Arms is taken from a large facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, published by John Binns, in a design registered in 1818 and printed in 1819. Encircling the text of the Declaration is a ceremonial chain with medallions bearing portraits of Founding Fathers and the arms of each state.  Binns hoped to distribute 200 copies of the design and it seems that at least one made it to England where, between 1826 and 1830, Thomas Mayer, potter of Stoke-Upon-Trent, used it to produce a series of designs. It is believed that he used 12 of original 13  states’ coats of arms as New Hampshire has never been seen in this series of pottery prints.

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Potter: Thomas Mayer

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