The Coat of Arms of Austria reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Coat of Arms of Austria

The Coat of Arms of Austria has been used since the end of World War I to symbolize Austria. The double headed eagle, symbolizing the old Austrian Empire was replaced with a single headed eagle.

On the chest of the eagle is located the old shield of the Dutchy of Austria, this same design forms the basis for the flag of Austria. The eagle's claws hold a sickle and a hammer. While at first sight this might lead to an association with communist symbols the brick crown on the head of the eagle makes it clear, that these three merely represent the unity of the three "classes" (workers, peasants and bourgeoisie ) in the republic - not quite class war.

The broken chain between the two legs indicates freedom from fascism and was added after World War II.

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