This Notgeld represents the 3rd 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 majority of the reverse is filled by a large illustration, it features 4 singing men in top hats. The men in the top hats are members of the Finsterwalde Men's Singing Club. Communal and public singing has long played a role in Finsterwalde's culture.
Below the illustration is the first verse of the Finsterwalde Sänger Song. This short whimsical "schlager" was composed by Wilhelm Wolff (1851-1912). A schlager being a poplar German folk song, with fun and catchy lyrics. It first premiered 3 September 1899, as part of 14 scene event in Berlin. In 1901 it played in Finsterwalde and was met with much public acclaim.
The slogan "Wir sind die Sänger von Finsterwalde/We are the singers of Finsterwalde", was later adopted by the city. Earning it the popular tile of "Sängerstadt" (Singer City) throughout Germany. The first Finsterwalder Sängerfest (Finsterwalde Singer Festival) was held in 1954. Although was celebrated on an irregular basis. Since 1992 the festival has been celebrated as a yearly event.
Returning back to the note, it features a pair of large decorative plaques. They're located at the lower right and left. The left plaque bares a number "75", while the right bares a Pfennig sign "₰". Symbolizing the note's "75" Pfennig value. The note's artist "E. Janetsky" is listed at the lower right corner.
Sänger Song Lyrics
We are the singers of Finsterwalde
We live and die for the song
Every child knows that we're the singers
We live and die for the song
Observe
At the center of the note, is the Finsterwalde coat of arms. Featuring the gate of Finsterwalde castle, flanked by two thin tall trees. A slightly altered coat of arms has since been adopted by the town council, on 6 January 1994. Featuring a more welcoming opened gate, rather than closed doors. Besides the coat of arms are 2 decorative plaques, one bearing the number "75" and a Pfennig sign "₰". Symbolizing the note's "75" Pfennig value.
In between these plaques and coat of arms is text. Which outlines instructions for redeeming the note. Done so at the Finsterwalde city "main cash desk", after a local recall has been made. Redemption of the note remains valid up to 1 month after the recall. Below the coat of arms is an issue date (July 1921), with the city magistrate's signature.
The left of the note features the Finsterwalde water tower, which the town's tallest building. The picturesque water tower (which doubles as a clock tower) was built in 1910. It stands 54 m (177.16 ft) tall and was designed by city architect Paul Droste. The water tower has continued to serve the city of Finsterwalde over the past century.
To the right of the note is Finsterwalde's town hall, located at the head of the market square. The town hall is a 3-story baroque style building, constructed in 1739. It saw a major restoration from 1927-1928. Notably the market square itself dates to at least 1282, when Finsterwalde was first recorded. Physically making it the oldest section of the town center.
Below it the note's title, listed as "Notgeld of the City of 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".
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
(Signature)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 106 x 73 mm or 4.17 x 2.87 in.
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