MHG and EMHG

[mmcnealy]

On some of the illustrationsin the Hofkleiderbuch (Abbildung und Beschreibung der Hof-Livreen) des Herzogs Wilhelm IV. und Albrecht V. 1508-1551 - BSB Cgm 1951, you can see the initials MHG or EMHG on the sleeve.

MHG
EMHG displayed on sleeve

After doing some sleuthing, I've determined that it was not the Duke's family motto. Their family motto was "In Trau Vast" according to this page

So this is my best guess of what the letters mean:
E - Eifer which according to my dictionary means "Eagerness, zeal, ardour, fervour, passion
M - Meines
H - Herzog
G - Gott

So perhaps a motto for the servants of the Duke? "Eifer für Meines Herzog und Gott"
Translation: Zeal for My Duke and God

(also posted to the Armour Archive)

Comments

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

One could be led to believe that MHG is short for
"Mein Herr und Gott" = My Lord (and) God

Then the E in front might be for either Eifer-zeal as you propose, or possibly Ewig meaning for ever, or eternally.

I have no firm documentation or proof of this, but seeing as how religious messages were quite common at the time in portraiture etc, it is a plausible translation.

[mmcnealy.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That's the phrase I was looking for! I like that idea of "Ewig Mein Herr und Gott"

Excuse my sleep adled brain, double espresso isn't even taking the edge off the fuzziness today.

I have not mentioned this lately, but. . .

[elenanoel.livejournal.com]

You are my hero!
Just had to say so.

[penguininarmor.livejournal.com]

I love that display of the motto. Darn you, now I have to see how far back that goes. :-)