The clipper proudly bore upon her stern the coat of arms for the City of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, the city she was built to serve and after which she was named.
The clipper ship bore the coat of arms of the City of Adelaide upon her stern.
The City of Adelaide's coat of arms contain much symbolism reflecting the historical significance surrounding the founding of the state of South Australia.
Looking at the arms, above the shield is an arm holding a miner’s pick that represents the early South Australian mining industry that contributed so much to the wealth of Adelaide.
On each side of the shield are the supporters, which guard and uphold the shield. The lion represents the English origin of the settlers who established South Australia and the kangaroo represents the country they helped to build.
The Arms consist of a blue shield with a gold cross, on which is surmounted a red cross.
Starting from the upper right corner of the shield, and going clockwise, the four quarters contain:
- a golden fleece, representing the sheep-farming interests and the wool trade.
- a golden wheat sheaf in full ear representing the extensive agricultural interests.
- a bull's head representing the cattle interests of South Australia
- a three masted ship in full sail.
The top left corner of the shield is known as the first quarter and it shows a three masted ship in full sail. The ship represents the importance of commerce to the state of South Australia and is a reminder of the form of transport of the early settlers from Great Britain to South Australia, and of any return voyage, as well as being the lifeline between the two countries.
Thus the Arms symbolise many of the early characteristics of the commerce of the capital city, and the State of South Australia.
They reflected the precious human, agricultural and mining cargoes that needed to be transported for the colony's growth and survival, and thus the very reason for the conception of this clipper.
It is very fitting that they were borne by the clipper ship City of Adelaide.
