Q.
What is the heraldry of the ATF seal?
DESCRIPTION
OF THE SEAL OF THE
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
On the Escutcheon
or shield - the sign of a defender - is a Chief of Sanguine (deep red),
which indicates the bearer of the shield (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives), through its achievements, has authority and wisdom. The sanguine
color of the Chief represents a patient victor, one not hasty in battle.
Also represented in the middle of the shield is a Chevron of Azure. This
Chevron denotes protection and service, and the azure color represents
strength and loyalty. Combined, they indicate ATF’s strength, loyalty,
service and protection to Justice, depicted by the Scales of Justice below
the Chevron. The Chevron of Azure also represents the past relationship
between ATF and the Department of the Treasury.
The Escutcheon stands
on a field of deeper blue representing vigilance, perseverance and justice
and is surrounded by a Laurel of Or (gold), symbolic of victory, and crowned
by three Mullets, or stars, of Or.
Around the Seal is
the name of the Bureau, and at the base, the year 1972, when the Bureau
was founded. The Seal is contained within a corded edge.
The Mullets and the
corded edge encasing the full seal are elements drawn from the Department
of Justice seal and represent the new inclusion of ATF within DOJ.
The Seal, as described above, was carefully designed to represent the
Bureau’s dedication to and accomplishments in achieving patient victory
in defense of Justice, as well as the interrelationship between ATF, The
Department of the Treasury and The Department of Justice.