Banknote France 1 Franc - Chambre de Commerce - Blois - Loir-et-cher - 02-07-1918 - Série 141

The 1 Franc banknote issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Blois and Loir-et-Cher, dated July 2, 1918, represents an example of emergency currency issued in France during the First World War. This banknote is part of Series 141.

The front of the banknote features the following inscriptions: "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BLOIS & DU LOIR ET CHER" at the top, followed by the value "UN FRANC" in the central position. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce also appear on this side. The issue date, "2 JUILLET 1918", is clearly indicated, as well as the serial number, "SERIE 141 1.221". The printer's name, "IMP. B.ARNAUD LYON-PARIS", is mentioned at the bottom of the obverse.

The reverse of the banknote bears the mention "Ce bon échangeable contre des billets....", indicating the provisional nature of this currency and its theoretical convertibility into banknotes. The inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BLOIS ET DU LOIR-ET-CHER" is also present on the reverse. Two printers are mentioned: B. Arnaud, from Villeurbanne, active from 1898 to 1990, and L. Cassan Ainé, from Toulouse.

This banknote testifies to the economic and social context of the time, marked by the shortage of cash and the need for chambers of commerce and other local institutions to issue their own currency to facilitate trade.