Banknote France 20 Francs - Caisse d'épargne - Saint-Quentin - 24-10-1914 - ANNULÉ

This 20 franc note was issued by the Caisse d'Épargne (Savings Bank) of Saint-Quentin, following a decision by the Board of Directors dated October 24, 1914. This cash voucher authorizes the bearer to withdraw the sum of twenty francs from their savings book, the number of which must be indicated, three months after the conclusion of peace. The serial number printed on the note is N° 118650. It is signed by the Treasurer and the Vice-President of the bank.

A circular control stamp, affixed to the center of the note, bears the mention "CONTROLE / MARS 17 / VISA", indicating that the note was approved in March 1917. The printer is identified by the inscription at the bottom center: "SAINT-QUENTIN ? IMP. PAUL LEBRAULT". The printing is done in dark blue/grey-blue and black on an off-white paper. The corners of the note are decorated with stylized floral motifs.

The back of this specimen features a large bright red circular stamp bearing the mention "ÉCHANGE DE BILLETS / C. D / BUREAU N° 8". This stamp testifies to the fact that this voucher was collected by an office, probably a Deposit Bank or an organization of the Chamber of Commerce. It was then the subject of an exchange procedure against legal currency or other vouchers during a campaign to withdraw these emergency currencies after the end of the war. The exchange may have continued for several years.