1921 - German Region of Braunschweig 1.60 Mark

1921 - German Region of Braunschweig 1.60 Mark
CA$20.00

Offered is an authentic 1921 Germany Braunschweig Notgeld 1.60 Mark banknote, issued by the Kraftverkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H. Braunschweig, a state-run municipal transportation company during the Weimar Republic inflation period. This striking illustrated emergency note is a classic example of early 20th-century German Notgeld, combining economic history with bold folkloric artwork.

The obverse features a dynamic scene of figures moving through a rugged landscape alongside a motorized bus, symbolizing the rise of modern transportation. The denomination 1.60 Mark is prominently displayed, with 0.50 Mark units highlighted in red. The reverse features a dramatic, devil-like mythological figure looming over a forested hillside—widely interpreted as a visual metaphor for inflation, hardship, and economic struggle in post-World War I Germany.

Printed in expressive grey, yellow, black, and red tones, this note includes official redemption text valid in Braunschweig, Bad Harzburg, Braunlage, Hahnenklee, and Wernigerode, dated July 1, 1921, and printed by Druckerei Appelhaus, Braunschweig. Transport-issued Notgeld like this is especially sought after for its artistic quality, regional identity, and social commentary.

A highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of German Notgeld, Weimar-era inflation currency, transportation history, and illustrated or mythological banknotes—ideal as a standalone display item or part of a themed collection.

This is a German Notgeld (emergency money) note issued by the Kraftverkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H. Braunschweig, denomination 1.60 Mark (shown as 0.50 Mark units), dated 1921, and it is a classic example of Weimar-era illustrated Notgeld with folkloric and mythological themes.

Obverse (Front)

  • Denomination:
    Large “1,60 Mark” prominently displayed, with 0,50 Mark emphasized in red as part-value accounting.

  • Artwork:
    A lively, satirical scene showing figures in motion across a rugged landscape, including:

    • Travelers or villagers running and climbing hills

    • A bus or motor vehicle in the foreground symbolizes modern transportation

  • Theme:
    The imagery reflects the tension between modern transport and traditional life, a common artistic motif in Notgeld issued by transportation companies.

  • Color Palette:
    Grey, yellow, black, and red highlights, printed in an expressive, cartoon-like style.

  • Issuer Line:
    “Kraftverkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H. Braunschweig” printed along the bottom.

Reverse (Back)

  • Central Image:
    A striking, mythical, devil-like figure (possibly representing hardship, inflation, or obstacles) crouched atop a hill, overlooking a forested landscape.

  • Text:
    Identifies the issuer as Kraftverkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H. Braunschweig (staatlich kommunaler Betrieb) — a state-run municipal transport company.

  • Redemption Clause:
    Specifies redemption locations, including Braunschweig, Bad Harzburg, Braunlage, Hahnenklee, and Wernigerode, valid until 1 January 1922.

  • Date:
    Braunschweig, 1 July 1921

  • Printer:
    Druckerei Appelhaus, Braunschweig

  • Design Style:
    Strong folk-art and expressionist influence, typical of regional Notgeld, intended to be visually memorable and collectible.