Based on the symbolism of the Camiolan Schärffenberg Lords, the article examins the origin,
changes and jusnfkations of the coal of arms of nobility from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The
Schärffenbergs had in their coat of arms a golden crown, which gave rise to several speculations
on the »royal« origin of the family. The family, as well as authors of these speculations, utilized
a mythological orientation of baroque heraldry as well as the (partly invented) coat of arms of
the nobility and of the countries in southeastern Europe, and linked the Schärffenberg family to
medieval Bulgarian and Bosnian kings Analyzed are several coat of arms of nobility and the
Schärffenberg family myths, their origin, motifs, development and importance both for the
nobility and for historiography.