German East Africa was located roughly between what is now Kenya &
Mozambique and was given over to Germany
by virtue of several treaties in 1884.

The entire east cost of Africa was under foreign domination since about the
18th Century. The chief products prior to German control were slaves & ivory,
whereas after 1884 it was coffee, rubber & sisal. Although first established
as a protectorate of the German East Africa Company, in 1891 it became an
area under direct German Government administration
and finally it became a full fledged German colony in 1897.

Paper money was released as early as 1905 in the region, but it was not until
the outbreak of war in Europe ( which in effect spread to Africa and other
colonies ) that these small denomination ( 1 Rupie ) notes were issued.
This corresponds to the release in 1914
of the very first 1 Mark banknote in Germany.

These notes feature a simple design showing the Imperial Eagle on brownish
paper with the wording " Interims - Banknote " on top, bank name, 2 signatures
etc. The reverse depicts the serial number, validity base
and printer name ( German East Africa Newspaper Co. of Dar Es Salaam ).
These are all in circulated condition.

The area of German East Africa was mandated to Britain by the
League of Nations at the end of the first World War.