This notgeld is the 2nd 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.
Both of these attractions are featured on this particular note. Which is the most text rich of the overall series. In addition to being the only note to feature the city's Coat of Arms.
Observe
The observe of the note divided into 3 sections. Its header declares the note as a "(v)oucher from the city of Lauenburg (on the) Elbe". The left section features the Coat of Arms of Lauenburg. It features a castle, with a smaller coat of arms above. In which the left side represents the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), while the right represents the Duchy of Saxony (804–1296).
Below the Lauenburg Coat of Arms is the Lauenburg tower, a remnant of Lowenborch Castle. Which was destroyed after intensive shelling, in 1658. Despite Duke Julius Heinrich's intent to rebuild, the castle remined in ruins. The building commonly referred to as the "castle" was built in 1708. It along with the tower continue to remain popular tourist attractions. In fact, the castle was used as the city administrative building roughly during this note's issue.
Moving to the center section, we can see a detailed illustration. It depicts Lauenburg's shoreline along the Elbe River. Above is an excerpt from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's (1749-1832) "The Sorrows of Young Werther". The note's issue date (1 July 1921) is listed to the lower left of the excerpt. Below the the illustration, is comment referring to Lauenburg, as " the Rothenburg of the Elbe".
The final section to the right, is purely functional. The upper portion lists the note's "50 Pfennig" value, followed by 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.
Further below is the signature of the City Magistrate. This identifies the note as a circulated original. As the "collector's version" lacks the Magistrate signature. The printer's name (Moll K.G. Lübeck) is listed at the footer.
Translation
Voucher from the city of Lauenburg on the Elbe
I can no longer escape the magic path. The entrance was found in the depths of the heart. Wherever I go, I will always be drawn to you. My Lauenburg on the Elbe beach. Werther
1 July 1921
Lauenburg, the Rothenburg (city) of the Elbe
-Center Text-
This voucher will be redeemed by the Lauenburg (Elbe) city treasury. It loses its validity one month after being called.
The Magistrate
(Signature)
-Right Side-
Reverse
The reverse features an extensive illustration of Lowenborch castle. Complete with early Lauenburg below, along the Elbe River. Just as the observe the header declares the note as a "(v)oucher from the city of Lauenburg (on the) Elbe". Followed by "50₰", declaring the note's 50 pfennig value. To the far left, the number "1181" can be seen. A reference to the castle's construction in 1181 CE.
Although despite this date, the lower text refers to the depiction. As being the "Fortress Lowenborch in the year 13 Hundred". It should be noted the text to the left, is not printed in standard German. But a form of Low German of a uncertain dialect. (This text will translated when resources become available)
The fame of the text "bubble", is decorated by an anchor and polearms. The polearms representing the castle and the anchor representing the town below. Notably there a 2 artist credits for this note, Müller-Gera and N. Elvers. Given the larger size of "N. Elvers", we can assume this artist was responsible for the castle illustration. Although " Müller-Gera" does appear on all notes of the series.
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