Lot 2638

Description

German propaganda note, WW2, with an 11-line message printed in Arabic on the reverse of an imitation Bank of England one pound, all with serial number H86D 729630 and signature of K O Peppiatt; Egypt, National Bank of Egypt, one Egyptian pound, Cairo 8th October 1936, J/26 004587, signature of E.M.Cook (P.22). The first note with splits on folds and centre fold with tape, otherwise good, the second note with folds and foxing stain on reverse, otherwise very fine. (2)

Apparently the Luftwaffe dropped these propaganda notes in November and December 1942 over a large area of Northern Egypt including Cairo, Alexandria and El Alamein. The 11-line message was as follows:- 'Signs of Disintegration. If you inspect this banknote, you will remember the time when it was worth ten times its present value in bright shiny gold. That was because at that time the strength and riches of the mighty British Empire supported such notes. But that greatness is fading as is the value of this worthless piece of paper. What is this note worth today? You certainly know the answer to that. With each passing day of this British inspired war, the strength of the Empire is depleted. Each battle that England loses causes a further weakening of their currency. The day draws near when even the beggars in the street will refuse the British banknote, even as a gift. Truly, Allah wills the collapse of Britain, which will surely come to pass.'