Banknote France 2 Francs - Chamber of Commerce Cambrai - 15-09-1914 - 3ème Série

This two-franc emergency banknote was issued on September 15, 1914 by the Cambrai Chamber of Commerce, and it belongs to the third series of these issues. It measures approximately 80 mm wide and 50 mm high.

Obverse: The obverse of the banknote features a carmine red print on beige-colored paper. The inscription ?Chambre de commerce de Cambrai? (Cambrai Chamber of Commerce) appears at the top of the banknote as a header. The inscription ?Troisième série? (Third Series) is printed on the left side, while the identification number ?N° 40.383? is located on the right. The face value of ?Deux Francs? (Two Francs) is highlighted in the center in large characters. Below, the issue date ?15 Septembre 1914? (September 15, 1914) is clearly indicated. The banknote features three handwritten signatures, attributed respectively to the Treasurer, the President, and the Cashier. An elaborate ornamental frame, decorated with plant and symbolic motifs, adorns the banknote, with circular medallions incorporating the number 2 in the corners. A framed text at the bottom specifies the redemption conditions: ?Le présent billet sera remboursé par la Chambre de commerce de Cambrai cent jours après la signature de la paix? (This banknote will be redeemed by the Cambrai Chamber of Commerce one hundred days after the signing of peace).

Reverse: The reverse of the banknote repeats the red print of the obverse, but without the main central text. The banner ?Chambre de commerce de Cambrai? is again present at the top. The decorative frame is symmetrical to that of the obverse, repeating the same ornamental motifs. The redemption cartouche is also repeated at the bottom. A blue stamp, partially visible on the right side, suggests an administrative or circulation use of the banknote.

This type of emergency banknote was issued in response to the shortage of fiduciary currency during the beginning of the First World War, thus making it easier to facilitate local commercial exchanges.