File:Balbi.svg

The arms of Balbi is "d ' oro una dolce negra", it is also shown as bellowing flames. The term "dolce" refers to what is in modern-day English terminology defined as "feline panther". In Venice (and some parts of Italy) and Dalmatia (Croatia) the original form of the heraldic animal known as "panther" has retained its original "feline" form, while in German heraldry it changed and took the "modern form" found in the arms of Styria for example. Sometimes "dolce" is also defined as a "species of fox", however from earlier definitions and depictions it is clear we are talking about a feline panther. And finally the heraldic animal itself is postulated to actually be a heraldic representation of a domesticated weasel, marten or ermine that were used in 13th and 14th century to hunt for rabbits which were devastating the countryside.