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1000 Francs
| Issuer | Banque de la Guadeloupe |
|---|---|
| Year | 1942 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Orange on pink-red guilloche underprint. A large, elaborately rendered compass rose (wind rose) vignette occupies the center, enclosed within a circular border ringed with decorative bosses, with cardinal directional points extending beyond the circle. Denomination numerals "1000" are placed in each corner, and the title inscription "BANQUE DE LA GUADELOUPE" runs along the top panel, with "MILLE FRANCS" along the bottom. Ornamental foliate flourishes flank the central vignette at left and right, and the border is filled with fine lathe-work guilloche panels. |
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| Variants | P#26a - signature: "Directeur" Marconnet P#26b - signature: "Directeur" Devineau |
| Comments |
The Banque de la Guadeloupe's wartime notes occupy an unusual position in French colonial currency history. After the fall of France in 1940, Guadeloupe initially remained under Vichy authority, and the island's banking arrangements reflected that uncertain loyalty. It was only after Admiral Robert's capitulation in mid-1943 that Guadeloupe aligned with the Free French — meaning this 1942 note was issued under conditions of political ambiguity that affected everything from trade to currency confidence.
Philadelphia's E. A. Wright was an unusual choice for French colonial printing, typically handled through Paris or London houses. The disruption of transatlantic routes and occupied France made American printers the only viable alternative.