This notgeld is the 3rd denomination of a 4-piece set, issued by Braunscheig State Bank. The set features various moments from Till Eulenspiegel tales. Till Eulenspiegel was a 16th centery Landfahrer (wandering vagrant), from the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1235-1806).
His many adventures across the Holy Roman Empire (962-1806), include various jester-pranks. Often on the strangers various and acquaintances, he meet on his journey. Many include fooling unknowing people, into accidently touching feces. And showing his buttocks to anyone, from commoners and nobles.
The comedy tales are regarded as a form of social commentary. To the rigid nature of social norms, during renaissance-era Germany. Even the Roman Catholic clergy are not spared. Something that would have been criminally heretical, in an earlier era. His journey ends on his death bed, where he fools a priest into soiling his hands, with Till's own feces.
As the accompanying poem is located on the note's reverse. It will be reviewed reverse first, notably it's printed in the local Braunschweig dialect (Low German).
Reverse
The reverse's features art by artist Günther Clausen (1885-1954),as noted by the left footer. The main art (center) is titled "Eulenspiegel as a Lover", noted at the center footer below. The note was printed by "Appelhans Press", noted on the lower right footer.
Returning back to the main art, Eulenspiegel is shown embracing a woman. He wears a whimsical jester outfit, similar to his famous fountain-stature, in Mölln (Schleswig-Holstein). The bells of his eccentric hat, drag along the wood floor. Gaining the attention of the woman's curious cat. Eulenspiegel cradles a half empty bottle of wine. While the embracing women delicately holds an empty glass.
The upper right and left each feature a stylized number 50. Each 50 is flanked by a pair of Pfennig signs(₰). Seamlessly signifying the note's value, without compromising the art's allure. Below each is whimsical smiling scale, in prefect balance. A smiling heart hangs from the left side, with the text "Marié (the woman's name). While a flask hangs from the right side, with what appears to be "Ruck" (to jerk/jolt). Signifying the desire to drink and love are in balance.
The remainder of the space is filled by enigmatic poem/riddle, roughly translated below.
Rough Translation
For unbranded wine is the worst for your kaffenschein (money).
But you can't be without luck and steam (drive).
Suck up that beautiful Ömel (wine?).
And never take to Lültie's (esotericism) pressing ring.
Observe
The observe's feature a galloping horse at it's center. Symbolizing the coat of arms of Braunschweig State. The header "Braunschweiger Notgeld", states the note as issued under the authority of Braunschweig. Below is the coat of arms, the issuer (Braunschweig State Bank) and issue date (1 May 1921) are stated.
To the left and right of the coat of arms, is a decreed split into 2 sections. The decreed states the note is to be accepted by all purchases, within Braunschweig. With devaluation of the note, set at the 1 May 1923. The note's value (50 Pfennig) is stated below each section of the decreed. The lower right footer lists the note as printed by "Appelhans Press, Braunschweig"
Decreed Translation
This certificate is accepted in payment by all state purchases.
It expires on 1 May 1923.
Footer Translation
Braunschweig the 1 May 1921
Braunschweig State Bank
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 80 x 50 mm or 3.15 x 1.97 in, a fairly standard size.
The Till Eulenspiegel notgeld notes are considered Günther Clausen's break-through work.
Günther Clausen was educated Kassel Academy, specializing in graphic design.
Clausen moved to Braunschweig in 1909, with fellow artist Rudolf Sievers (1884-1918).
Clausen was the co-founder of the Braunschweig Wandervogel (wandering bird) youth group.
Clausen work as an illustrator for Wandervogel magazine and an art teacher, during WWI.
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