This Notgeld represents the 1st denomination of 3-piece set, issued by the city of Finsterwalde. The set features iconic illustrations representing the city's history and culture. Despite being created by the same artist, the art style varies greatly between denomination. Giving the appearance of being from entirely different series. (This note will be reviewed reverse first.)
Reverse
The reverse is almost entirely covered by a ornate illustration. At the center is a stone archway, with coat of arms at its corners. Giving the appearance walking toward a picturesque view of the Schloss Finsterwalde (Finsterwalde Castle). It's iconic rampway bridge can be seen leading toward the castle's entrance.
According to records from 1282, Finsterwalde Castle was first ruled by a Herr (Lord) "Dominus Heinemanus de Vynsterwalde". Although gain notoriety under the rule of the robber baron "Gorenzen", in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Who was known to raid travelers on their way to the area's trading centers.
The castle in current and iconic form was built under the noble family of Dieskau. Who took control of the castle grounds, in 1533. Their renovation dived the castle into 2 distinct "front" and back" areas. In the 19th century the "front" castle was used as clothing factory. While the "back" castle was used to house its workers.
In the aftermath of the Great War (1914-1918), the "rear" castle was acquired by the city. Which since 1919, has been used as the town's stadtverwaltung (administrative building). While in 1925, a section of the front castle was made into a feuerwehrhaus (fire station). Both sections of the castle can be visited during daylight hours. The old fire station has since been converted into the Finsterwalde Fire Brigade Mausam.
Returning back to the note we see the archway flanked by 2 decorative sections. The left section features a knight with a hound by his feet. The mount which the knight stands features the number "25". Opposite to the knight is a maiden, who's mount reads "Pf.". When read together the section translate to "25 Pfennig" the note's value.
Reverse
At the center of the note, is the Finsterwalde coat of arms. Featuring the gate of Finsterwalde castle, flanked by two thin tall trees. This alternative version resemble the coat of arms since been adopted by the town council, on 6 January 1994. Featuring a more welcoming opened gate, rather than closed doors of the older/official variant. Besides the coat of arms are the number "75" and "Pf." Symbolizing the note's "25" Pfennig value.
Besides the coat of arms are 2 placards, outlining a list of instructions. Notifying the bearer that the "city main cash desk pays the above amount". With a restriction being the note is "(v)alid up to one month after recall". Below is an additional placard listing a issue date of "July 1921", followed by signatures belonging to the city magistrate.
The note's footer lists it as a "Notgeld of the Finsterwalde". Rather than using the more common term "gutschein", meaning voucher. That said, both terms can contextually mean the same. With the exception of "gutschein" not being an accepted English loan word, as "Notgeld". The note's artist "E. Janetsky" is listed at the lower right corner.
Translation
Our city main cash desk pays the above amount to the consignor of this certificate. Valid up to one month after recall, by means of local announcement.
Finsterwalde July 1921
The Magistrate
(Signatures)
Notgeld of the City of Finsterwalde
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 106 x 73 mm or 4.17 x 2.87 in.
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