This large notgeld is the 1st denomination of a 2-piece set, issued by the city of Süderbrarup. The town was nearly incorporated into Denmark, in accordance to the 1920 Schleswig Plebiscites. As an obligation mandated by section XII, articles 100 to 115 of the Treaty of Versailles. The decision whether to remain German or become Danish was put to a vote.
The criteria for the new Danish-German border was based on 2 Zones, drafted by Danish historian Hans Victor Clausen (1861-1937). Who had previously surveyed the region, during the 1880s and 1890s. On the behalf of the Danish government, in which the 2 Zones were determined. Clausen proposed that the decision should be based on self-determination.
The region of Northern Schleswig (known as Zone 1) voted on 10 February 1920 to become Danish. While the region of Central Schleswig (known as Zone 2) voted on 14 March 1920 to remain German. As Clausen previously predicted the election would conclude. (To commemorate this vote, this notgeld will be review reverse first.)
Observe
The reverse features a colorful illustration reenacting the 14 March vote. The crowd is gathered on the town's parade grounds, numerous Imperial German flags can be seen. The main building is clearly marked "Süderbrarup", to notify the viewer of the location. Above a cloud marked "11 Febr" (day after the 10 February vote) can be seen blowing away a cloud marked "14 März".
The illustration surrounded by a colorful striped border, with squared corners. The lower corners feature a number "1", while upper corners add a pair of "M"s, used to symbolize the note's 1 Mark value. Between the these squared corners is a line of German text. They are read separately from top-bottom, then left-right. The upper section identifies it the note as a "Voucher for one Mark". While lower section identifies it as being issued by the "Municipality of Süderbrarup".
The left and right sections relate to the 14 March vote. The left section reads "We don't want to be Danes". The right section completes the phrase, as "We want to stay German". Confirming the self-determination voted for by the citizens of Süderbrarup.
Observe
The observe features a pair of adjoining oak trees in an ancient stone circle. This stone circle represents the neighboring Thorsberger Moor. An Iron Age archaeological site that was discovered in 1858, by Flensburg teacher Helvig Conrad Engelhardt (1825-1881). The crown of the trees are surrounded by text. The lower text is the motto of Schleswig-Holsteen, translated as "Forever Undivided". This simple yet bold motto dates to the Treaty of Ribe (1460).
The before mentioned main art is surrounded by an oak leaf underprint. Above the underprint are a pair simple "1 Mark" prints, representing the note's value. Below each are coat of arms representing the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Further below is a section outlining the note is valid, until a monthly cancellation in the local newspaper. The note's serial number (Nr. 9320) is located on the lower-left. While lower-right is a signature of a community board member. Beneath all this a underprint reading "One Mark".
Translation
Schleswig-Holsteen
Forever Undivided
Valid until a monthly cancellation in the Schleswig-Holsteinische Landpost (Süderbrarup Newspaper)
Community Board
(Signature)
One Mark
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