This small single-sided stamp is a food voucher issued by the City of Stuttgart. It was issued during the German Revolution (1918-1919), in the aftermath of the Great War (1914-1918). This voucher differs from Notgeld, as it served as a ration coupon. Rather than a form of differed payment, due to shortages of available currency.
Notably food vouchers will often have irregular corners. As they are hand cut from a larger ration card. These uncut ration cards are valued considerably higher, particularly when not voided. Making them rare items in the ration collecting field.
Observe
The observe is simple, featuring stamps and over-printed text. The first print in red ink features 3 separate elements. They are a Coat of Arms in double circles (right), the Roman numerals IV (upper left) and the letter "A". The latter 2 symbols dictate the ration item type, which follows a set of restrictions.
The second print in black ink, contains the the main text. It informs the bearer of key information, such as issuing body, value, and expiration. The first line declares it as issued by the "Municipality of Stuttgart". Followed by the a notice that it can be traded for either 150 grams of flour or 200 g of bread. With market conditions dictating the exchange.
According to the lower text the note can be exchange from April 1-30. After which it will lose it's value. The number "1" at the far left, possible indicates it as Day 1 of a larger ration card.
Translation
Municipality of Stuttgart
Reference=Markets
for 150 g of wheat flour or 200 g of wheat bread.
Valid from 1 April to 30 April 1919.
Reverse
The reverse is left blank, it's simply a piece of unprinted cardboard. This was common practice for food vouchers of the era. Being regarded as even more fleeting than Notgeld, which were themselves regarded as expendable.
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