1843 Sydney Coat of Arms Steel Die

Australia. Municipality of Sydney. 1843 Steel die for seal-bearing coat of arms. In the mid-19th century, Monsieur de St Remy designed a new civic seal incorporating heraldic elements that reflected key aspects of Sydney's past. A ship at the shield's centre symbolised the city's maritime heritage. A beehive representing industry was depicted in the upper section of the shield. Supporting the shield were figures of an Aboriginal man and a British sailor standing on either side. Beneath the design, the motto "I take but I surrender" was inscribed on a scroll.