Short snorter explained: what it is and why it mattered during wartime

A short snorter is a strip of paper currency, usually several banknotes taped or sewn together, signed by fellow travelers or military personnel as a keepsake and symbol of camaraderie. This practice, popularized during World War II, served as both a personal memento and a playful tradition among servicemen and frequent air travelers. Short snorters captured shared experiences and friendships formed during flights or journeys, especially those involving danger or long distances.

What exactly is a short snorter?

A short snorter is a collection of paper bills fastened together—by tape, sewing, or another method—to create a longer strip. These bills are signed by friends, fellow travelers, or colleagues, often after completing a flight or significant trip. The length varies depending on how many bills and signatures it holds; some short snorters are just a few notes long, while others stretch several feet. Although U.S. dollars were common during World War II, currency from other countries was also used. The signatures transformed the short snorter from mere cash into a personalized souvenir that documented shared journeys and relationships.

Where and when did short snorters originate?

The short snorter tradition began among pilots and air travelers in the 1920s and 1930s but became widespread during World War II. The term "short snorter" likely comes from earlier slang referring to a small drink of liquor shared among friends. As air travel increased among military personnel during the war, short snorters became a way to commemorate shared flights, especially long or risky ones. They served as informal records of those experiences and as social rituals that strengthened bonds among people facing the uncertainties of wartime travel.

Why did people make and carry short snorters?

Short snorters had several purposes during wartime. For military personnel, they were keepsakes that recalled comrades and the places visited on often dangerous missions or transport flights. The signatures symbolized friendships, shared challenges, and the company kept during travel. In some cases, a short snorter functioned as informal proof that someone had flown a particular route or belonged to a specific group—a point of pride among airmen. The tradition also included a game: if someone asked to see your short snorter and you couldn’t produce one, you owed that person a drink. This custom helped boost morale and reinforced camaraderie.

Who were some notable people associated with short snorters?

Many notable figures from World War II and beyond carried short snorters. General Jimmy Doolittle, known for leading the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, had his short snorter signed by fellow pilots and officers. Aviator Charles Lindbergh reportedly took part in the tradition as well. These strips often featured signatures ranging from high-ranking officers to enlisted personnel, and sometimes even celebrities or politicians traveling with military groups. As historical artifacts, short snorters capture moments in time and the connections among those who shared them.

What are common myths or things people often get wrong about short snorters?

A common misconception is that a "short snorter" refers to a short drink of alcohol. Although the name probably comes from slang for a small liquor shot, the short snorter itself is not a drink but a signed collection of paper currency. Another misunderstanding is that short snorters were official documents or had monetary value beyond the sum of the bills. In reality, once signed and combined, they were informal keepsakes without financial use. Also, short snorters were not exclusive to the U.S. military; Allied forces and some civilians who traveled frequently also adopted the practice.

Where can you see or collect short snorters today?

Today, short snorters are preserved in museums, archives, and private collections, especially those focused on World War II history or aviation memorabilia. Institutions like the Smithsonian and the National World War II Museum include short snorters in their exhibits. Collectors prize them for their historical significance, the stories behind the signatures, and their rarity—especially when linked to famous individuals or notable flights. If you find a short snorter, researching the names and context can increase its historical interest and value. Occasionally, short snorters appear in auctions for history enthusiasts.

Conclusion

If you come across a short snorter, you’re looking at a unique piece of wartime history and friendship. These signed strips of currency tell stories of shared journeys, bonds formed under challenging circumstances, and a tradition that helped soldiers and travelers feel connected. Whether you’re collecting or just curious, understanding the history and meaning behind short snorters brings these keepsakes to life beyond the paper and signatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a short snorter still be used as money?

No. Once signed and assembled, short snorters were kept as souvenirs and generally were not used for transactions.

Why is it called a "short snorter" if it’s made of money?

The name likely comes from slang for a small drink of liquor, but here it refers to the signed currency kept as a memento, not a beverage.

Did only military personnel carry short snorters?

While most common among military airmen during World War II, some civilians and Allied forces also took part in the tradition.