The exact date of issue of this, the second card, is not known, but it must have been a few days before 16 February, as it was available to receive the special postmark used during the carnival period. It was valid until 31 December 1939.
The imprinted stamp features the coat-of-arms of Koln surmounted by a jester’s cap and bells. The stamp was printed in photogravure by the Berlin State Printing Works, and the card itself was printed by Schauberg of Koln. It is believed that the slogan in the upper left of the card refers to the traditional definition of carnival as a “farewell to the flesh,” i.e., the beginning of Lent. The inscription in the sonderstempel dated 21 February 1939 translates, The singing, ringing, laughing 1939 Koln Carnival.
The earlier (green) printing of this card has a single line of printer’s information, the later (brown) card has a two-line divider reading, Festival postcard for the Koln Carnival. Sale price 15 Pf. (including Culture Fund). Printer: M. DuMont Schauberg, Koln.