(C) Mourning the Ancient

The tradition of the Short Snorter is defined as: 'A short snorter is a banknote inscribed by people traveling together on an aircraft. The tradition was started by Alaskan Bush flyers in the 1920s and spread through the military and commercial aviation. During World War II short snorters were signed by flight crews and conveyed good luck to soldiers crossing the Atlantic. Friends would take the local currency and sign each other's bills creating a "keepsake of your buddy's signatures." "Snort" is slang for a "mixed drink," and "short" specifies less than a full measure.'

It was used extensively in WWII. Here is an especially long Short Snorter -- 26 notes! Short Snorters could be as little as one note or many notes taped together.

This Short Snorter was owned by A.P. Erpenbach. You'll notice on two of the notes the word 'Admiralties', this stands for the Admiralty Islands campaign (Operation Brewer), which was a series of battles in the New Guinea campaign where the American Army's 1st Cavalry Division occupied the Japanese-held Admiralty Islands.

You'll also notice a list of over a dozen islands, including the Philippines, where this airman either fought or visited during his service.

I picked this strange souvenir up at an antique store some years back, not knowing what it was. But since the price was very low (under ten dollars) I figured it was worth it since it was interesting. After doing some research I've found that these things can command quite a high price.

It always makes me wonder how things like this get into 'the wild'. I mean, at what point did it leave the soldier or his family's care? This obviously held very high sentimental value. Did he die and the family sell it with the rest of his 'junk'? I guess its journey after the war is a story in itself.