Unique ‘short-snorter’ signed by several Allied figureheads—Truman, Stalin, Baruch, Montgomery, and more up for auction
BOSTON, MA – A unique ‘short-snorter’ signed by several Allied figureheads will be auctioned by Boston-based RR Auction.
The series 1935 A one dollar ‘short snorter’ silver certificate, signed on the front and back in ink and fountain pen by twenty-two notable figures, including: Harry S. Truman, Joseph Stalin, Bernard M. Baruch, Frank Lauro, Bernard Law Montgomery, Cardinal Francis Spellman, John A. Marshall, Michael McKeogh, Leslie Hollis, Joe Biddle, R. M. Sinclair, Anthony Biddle, Edward R. Stettinus, Jr., and others.
Invented by Alaskan bush pilots in the 1920s, the game of short-snorter became a summit ritual for presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors, and generals alike.
The game rules were simple: a group of people traveling together signed banknotes recording who in attendance.
Those unable to produce the bank upon request at a subsequent meet-up was obliged to buy a drink—or short snort—for their companions.
“A virtual ‘who’s who’ list of Allies,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. “The presence of both Truman and Stalin points to 1945, perhaps from the time of the Potsdam Conference, which was held from July 16th to August 2nd.” (Pre-auction Estimate: $10,000+)
Additional highlights include:
Reserve Bank of New Zealand five dollar note featuring an image of Edmund Hillary.
Series 2009 A one hundred dollar bill, signed on the front in black felt tip by Donald Trump, and on the reverse side by Eric Trump.
Warren Buffett signed “There’s Nothing Like Old Money.” Ballpoint signature and inscription, “To John—Warren E. Buffet,” on a light green 5.25 x 5.25 sheet created from recycled US currency and bearing a printed portrait of Buffett with the slogan: “There’s Nothing Like Old Money.”
The Fine Autographs and Artifacts from RR Auction began on October 27 and will conclude on November 8. More details can be found online at www.rrauction.com.