This notgeld is the 1st denomination of the 3-piece set, issued by the resort city of Lauenburg an der Elbe. The set features various example Lauenburg (then) contemporary culture and it's historical landmarks. Such as the city's 11th century castle and its famous rowboats, on the Lahn river.
To our understanding this particular Notgeld, is dedicated to Scheibenschlagen (disk flinging). A Central European tradition, in which burning Beech wood disks are flung by a Hazelnut staff. The event is preceded by a signing procession, before dusk. After which the flaming disks are flung from a valley, into the darkness.
This tradition was first historically documented on 21 March 1090 CE. When a building neighboring Lorsch Abbey (Reichsabtei Lorsch) was accidently set ablaze by stray disk. Therefore confirming the tradition to be from at least the 11th century.
Observe
The observe is divided into 2 distinct sections. The first features the note's title, declaring it as a voucher from Lauenburg on the Elbe. Followed by a shield with "25 ₰" inside, declaring the note's 25 Pfennig value. The lower section is a list of instructions, describing an expiration date and how to redeem its value. Below is the signature of the City Magistrate is featured below. This identifies the note as a rarer circulated original. As the "collector's version" lacks the Magistrate signature.
On right section, we see 3 men in parade dress. According to the text below, these men are the Grandfather, Father, and Son of the Bollmann family. Each welding their disk thrower and a circular ramp. The youngest member wears a hat with a green feather. The note's issue date (1 July 1921) is divided by the eldest hat. The note's artists (Müller-Gera) is listed between the boots of the 1st and 2nd man. The printer's name (Moll K.G. Lübeck) is listed at the footer.
Translation
Voucher from the city of Lauenburg on the Elbe
This voucher will be redeemed by the Lauenburg (Elbe) city treasury. It loses its validity one month after being called.
The Magistrate
(Signature)
-Left Side-
The linage of the disk watchers of Lauenburg on the Elbe.
Bollmann, Grandfather, Father, and Son.
-Right Side-
Reverse
The reverse is well illustrated, although sparse on text. The title is divided between header and footer.
Combined it reads "Voucher from the city of Lauenburg on the Elbe". The reverse is further divided vertically by a center section. It features a circle with "25 ₰" inside, declaring the note's 25 Pfennig value. An anchor hangs from this circle, a reference to the Lahn river.
To the right we can see an illustration of the "Old Merchant House" and a "Crispy House". Notably the term "Knusperhäuschen", literally crispy house. Refers to German and Austrian bakeries which specialize in gingerbread. Amongst other regional spiced, peppered, and honeyed backed goods. Such types were and still are well regarded within German culture. For their ability to keep long periods of time, in addition to general holiday nostalgia.
Translation
Voucher from the city of Laurenburg on the Elbe
Old Merchant House
-Left Side-
Crispy (Gingerbread) House
-Right Side-
Comments