This notgeld is the 2nd denomination of a 5-piece set, issued by Greiffenberg City Saving Bank. The set features various moments from the Legends of Rübezahl. A mischievous mountain sprit from German, Czech, and Polish folklore. Originally as trickster in comedic tales and later as savior against oppressive lords.
His spirit is said to reside in the Riesageberge (Giant Mountains), which formed the historical border of between Bohemia and Silesia. Of which he has full control over, including the weather itself. Using it to play practical jokes, on unknowing travelers. Although at times using his power to aid those he deems as good. Sometimes taking the form of a gray-robbed monk, who provided knowledge and gifts, to weary travelers.
With exception to those who call him "Rübezahl" (Turnip-counter). A name he received in a tale, in which he abducted a princess, who liked turnips. While in the mountains, the princess became bored. And Rübezahl created turnip people to become her friends. Not long the turnips wilted and so did their magic. Demanding more turnips people for company. She asked Rübezahl to count turnips in a field. Distracted the princess made her escape.
As the moment from the accompanying tale, is depicted on the note's reverse. It will be reviewed reverse first, to provided a better understanding of Rübezahl lore.
Reverse
The reverse's features art depicting the wood cutter scene from Rübezahl And The Glazier (Rübezahl und der Glashändler). As provided the text on the header (Rübezahl und) and footer (der Glashändler). Besides the main art the reverse features a pair of ornate decorations, each with a cup-like details. On the lower right is the text "ORGM 795679 UND ORP ANGEMELOET".
Returning back to the main art, Rübezahl is depicted as a giant face in a mountain, Blowing away an ax from a woodcutter. This being a refence to the woodcutter portion of Rübezahl And The Glazier. In true Rübezahl fashion an often seemly practical joke, becomes a lesson. Where a member peasantry is pranked, disrupting their work. Only to be part of a larger arc, ending in redemption from their rulers and employers.
In this instance, an ax-less Hirschberg woodcutter is unable to cut the wood for his lord. The woodcutter is then met by Rübezahl (in human form), who confronts the lamenting woodcutter. Rübezahl agrees to help the woodcutter, for no more than a bundle of wood. Leading to chain of bizarre chain of events.
In which, Rübezahl is asked what ax he has to cut the wood. Only to unscrew his own left leg and claim "a dismembered foot is 1,000 times greater than the sharpest ax". Through the use of magic, Rübezahl easily cuts the wood to the requested lengths. The lord notices a commotion caused by the miraculous spectacle. Becoming quite impressed with the speed which the order was complete.
Only to have Rübezahl to continue cutting into smaller pieces. Rübezahl confronted and questioned by the confused lord. To which Rübezahl repeats, "No, I won’t stir from this spot until I have hewn the wood as small as I agreed to..". Once completed Rübezahl began carrying bundles of wood, to the doorsteps of men the lord knowingly failed to pay wages to. Little to the knowledge of the previously pranked woodcutter. Rübezahl carries the last buddle to his retreat, thus ending the earlier agreement.
Observe
The observe's features the coat of arms of Greiffenberg. Located left of center, it depicts a knight and griffon. The header "Die Stadtsparkasse Greiffenberg", states the note as issued under the authority of Greiffenberg City Saving Bank. Below the header is an agreement to honor the notes (60 Pfennig) value. It should be noted the header and text below are to be read a one sentence.
The exception being the lower line, which is an lacks an issue date. Although it's known the note was printed sometime 1921, despite the missing final digit (192-). The note's "60 Pfennig value is listed on the left and right. The note's printer is listed on the bottom edge, "FLEMMING-WISKOTT A-G GLOGAU".
Translation
The Greiffenberg Savings Bank (Lower) Silesia
pay sixty pfennigs against this check from my balance.
-Primary Text-
Greiffenberg, the - of- 192-
-Secondary Text-
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 90 x 60 mm or 3.54 x 2.36 in, slightly larger than standard size.
The town of Greiffenberg is now known by it's Polish name, Gryfów Śląski.
The Riesageberge are now more commonly known by their Czech name "Krkonoše".
Hirschberg is mountain located in the German Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern).
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