the very first version of czeschka's design, which included the hamburg crest, was used from the first edition (published on february 21, 1946) to the 12th edition (published on may 9, 1946). other than the official coat of arms this crest featured peacock's feathers with little hearts on them. additionally, the position of the lions' legs first resembled those of the old great coat of arms. the positions were changed in 1952. regardless of this tiny difference, the crest was viewed as the great hamburg coat of arms by the hamburg senate and was therefore considered a national emblem. upon this, the crest was revised: an open gate was supposed to be incorporated to represent the cosmopolitanism of the hanseatic city. however, the senate also declined this version that was printed in editions 13 to 18, as it was viewed a misuse of a national emblem for commercial purposes, which is still prohibited to this day.