This notgeld is the 3rd denomination of the 3-piece set, issued by the resort city of Lauenburg an der Elbe. The set features various examples Lauenburg cultural history and it's landmarks. Such as the city's 11th century castle and its famous rowboats, on the Lahn river.
This particular denomination is dedicated to the trickster Till Eulenspiegel. Who also can be seen depicted on our home page banner. He was a 16th centery Landfahrer (wandering vagrant), from the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1235-1806). He is popularly believed to have died of plague within the town of Mölln (located within Lauenburg ), in 1350.
His many adventures across the Holy Roman Empire (962-1806), include various jester-like pranks. Often on the various strangers and acquaintances, he meets on his journey. Many include fooling unknowing people, into accidently touching feces. And flashing 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.
Observe
The observe prominently features Till Eulenspiegel dressed in colorful motley. He carries a striped staff in one hand and tosses an apple with the other. A pack of cheerfully children follow him, some carrying the tossed apples.
The above the header declares the note as a "(v)oucher from the city of Lauenburg (on the) Elbe". Below the header is a banner split by the illustration of Eulenspiegel. It declares the he's from the "glorious and splendorous period of Duke Julius Franz's court".
Below this illustration is a large framed "1 Mark" title, confirming the note's value. Moving further below we can see a notification. Declaring the note can be redeemed at the Lauenburg city treasury. Within one month of being called up, after which it loses it's value.
Notably this particular note is missing the signature of the city magistrate (Der Magistrate), identifying it as a "collector's version". The printer's name (Moll K.G. Lübeck) is listed at the footer, toward the lower right.
Translation
Voucher from the city of Lauenburg on the Elbe
This colorful one comes from long ago. During the glorious and splendorous period of Duke Julius Franz's court.
-Banner Text-
This voucher will be redeemed by the Lauenburg (Elbe) city treasury. It loses its validity one month after being called.
The Magistrate
(Signature Not Present)
-Lower Text-
Reverse
The reverse features another illustration of Till Eulenspiegel. From this angle we can see he's leading a parade. Thus explaining why is he tossing apples, toward the children. One young boy can seen tugging at his clothes. Behind Eulenspiegel a group of young men can be seen carrying a small boat, celebrating Lauenburg's riverine culture.
The reverse title is divided into upper and lower sections. When read together they declare the note as a "(v)oucher from the city of Lauenburg (on the) Elbe". Below the upper title section is "1 Mark", printed in light blue ink. To the far left is an illustration of a scroll with a stamp. It's text is printed form of Low German of a uncertain dialect. (This text will translated when resources become available)
At the lower left of the scroll is an artist credit to "Müller-Gera". All notes of this notgeld series contain a similar credit.
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