SHORT SNORTER EXHIBIT COMING TO PHOENIX

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V26 2023 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 26, Number 6, February 5, 2023, Article 26

We've often discussed "Short Snorters" and the Short Snorter Project. Next month's ANA National Money Show in Phoenix will feature an impressive display of WWII short snorters. Here's the announcement. -Editor

The signature of President Harry S. Truman is in black ink to the left of George Washington's portrait on this World War II short snorter.

Visitors to the American Numismatic Association 2023 National Money Show® (www.NationalMoneyShow.com) in Phoenix, Arizona, March 2-4, can see the unprecedented, 64-foot-long display of short snorter banknotes autographed by World War II-era dignitaries. The exhibit, courtesy of the nonprofit Short Snorter Project (www.ShortSnorter.org), features over 300 signatures of generals, admirals, presidents, prime ministers, and ambassadors.

This display of 140 historic banknotes will be of great interest to veterans and collectors of militaria. It includes five complete sets of rare specimen-marked Allied Military Currency, said Tom Sparks, Founder of The Short Snorter Project. The tradition of signing banknotes apparently began in 1925 with Alaska bush pilots. The term short snort was a slang expression for less than a full shot glass of liquor, and short snorter became a nickname for pilots who moderately enjoyed only a small drink or two before flying. The autographs on the paper money were typically obtained while the dignitaries or others were traveling together, usually in flight.

This unprecedented collection was assembled by United States Air Force Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (1893 – 1972) and is now owned by former American Numismatic Association President Jeff Garrett who is loaning it for the exhibit at the ANA convention in Phoenix, explained Sparks.

Future U.S. President, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in World War II, signed the back of this Series 1925-A $1 Silver Certificate.

According to Sparks, autographs on the notes include U.S. Presidents Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt and future President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he was an active duty General, as well as presidents of eight other countries. Prime Ministers' signatures include Britain's Winston Churchill.

This World War II 10 shillings short snorter banknote from Australia is signed by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby who was the first Director of the Women's Army Corp, and actress Lana Turner.

In addition to Eisenhower, the many notable military leaders represented are U.S. Generals James Doolittle, Douglas MacArthur, George C. Marshall, and George S. Patton. Famous U.S. Admirals include William Bull Halsey Jr. and Chester Nimitz. The exhibit will be in booths 1120 – 1126 in Hall F of the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3 rd Street in downtown Phoenix.

Sparks will conduct a Money Talks educational presentation about the collection, The Short Snorter of Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell, US Army Air Service, at 3 pm on Friday, March 3, in room 154 of the convention center.

Public hours for the ANA 2023 Phoenix National Money Show are Thursday and Friday, March 2 and 3 from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, March 4, from 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Admission on Thursday and Friday is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under as well as active duty and retired military personnel with valid ID with up to three guests are admitted free. Admission is free for everyone on Saturday.

The 64-foot-long exhibit of United States Air Force Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell's 140 World War II short snorter banknotes will be at the American Numismatic Association National Money Show in the Phoenix Convention Center, March 2 – 4, 2023.

Additional information about The Short Snorter Project is available at www.ShortSnorter.org and information about the American Numismatic Association National Money Show is available at www.NationalMoneyShow.com.