Status: U Return-Path: Received: from web5205.mail.yahoo.com ([216.115.106.86]) by farley.mail.mindspring.net (Earthlink Mail Service) with SMTP id tmhr8p.cat.37kbi1c for ; Thu, 2 Aug 2001 02:03:05 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <20010802060304.17193.qmail@web5205.mail.yahoo.com> Received: from [172.139.85.105] by web5205.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP; Wed, 01 Aug 2001 23:03:04 PDT Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001 23:03:04 -0700 (PDT) From: MPCgram Subject: MPCGram 410/3 To: MPCGram@yahoo.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii ============================================== MPC Gram ============================================== Covering the Entire World of Military Numismatics ----------------------------------------------- Series 002-Number 410 Thursday August 2, 2001 Short Snorters—Again By Larry “Ski” Smulczenski Last night I was going through some old clippings to find a subject to write a Gram article about. I found a short article entitled "Autographed notes are collectible". The article was not about autographed notes, but instead talked about the origin of Short Snorters. According to this article, a civilian aviator with the Gates Flying Circus by the name of Jack Ashcroft is credited with creating the first short snorter in August of 1925. Ashcroft had a reputation of being a very heavy drinker and one night after a round of intense partying, failed to return to the flying circus in Syracuse, N.Y. When Ashcroft made his appearance the following day, the flying circus co-owner Clyde Pangborn was ready to read him the riot act. Ashcroft quieted Pangborn by insisting that Pangborn give him two, one dollar bills. Pangborn finally complied, but gave him a dollar bill and a stage dollar. Ashcroft took the stage dollar, wrote "Short Snorter No 1, Pangborn, Aug 1925." signed the note giving it back to Pangborn while pocketing the other dollar. Ashcroft insisted each had a short snorter and that it was a joke by which someone could get a dollar for nothing. The tradition spread from there to other aviators. It became a prestige item during World War II. If someone was caught without his short snorter, he was expected to purchase a drink for the person who challenged him to show his short snorter. Those holding short snorters also were alleged to make money by using the same trick initiated by Ashcroft. Short snorters have been since extended to include almost any autographed note or group of attached notes that can be considered as signed due to anything from a major event down to a causal meeting during World War II or later conflicts. I have looked at thousands of short snorters over the years and the number of names that I could identify could be counted on my fingers. Yes, I have seen some notes in auction catalogs that have been signed by famous people like President Roosevelt or General Eisenhower or General Patton. I even own one which was sold to me by good friend R. A. Medina It is a 1929 1 Peso note from the Philippines that it signed by C. L. Chennault of Flying Tiger fame and three other military officers. Could these others be members of the famed Flying Tigers or since it was a Philippine note could it have been created by an aircrew flying Chennault from China to the Philippines to meet with MacArthur. If only the note could talk and tell its story! Many of the names that you recognize on notes are entertainers who performed during USO shows for the troops. Probably the person that autographed that largest number of short snorters was the famous comedian Joe E. Brown. You can frequently find his name on a note with some female names who were probably part of the touring entourage. One of the most interesting notes I've seen is owned by Mike Payton who wrote an article about the note for the IBNS Journal. It was signed by the crew of the gunboat Panay sunk by the Japanese on the Yangtze River. But without a doubt the king of Short Snorters was owned by Grover Criswell. I saw this thing when Fred and I visited Grover at his home around 6 or 7 years ago. I think Grover told us he bought it out of a New York auction held by Stacks. This thing was tightly rolled and had to be somewhere between 12 and 15 inches in diameter. The total number of notes slips my mind, but it had to be 400 to 500 notes and be close to 200 feet long. I spent about 3 hours looking for notable signatures on the notes. The only one that we recognized was Joe Kennedy who was the older brother of President John F. Kennedy. I wonder what happened to that roll. Was it sold before Grover died or did it go into the estate? Air Force Museum receives World War II boxcar by 1st Lt. Carie A. Seydel Air Force Print News 07/26/01 - ISTRES, France -- The Air Force airlifted a World War II-era rail car, historically used as a prisoner-of-war troop train, to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on July 25. The boxcar, donated by the French National Railroad Company and the American Prisoner of War Association, will be used to complete a POW display at the museum. "When the American POW Association offered the donation, it took us about two seconds to say 'yes,'" said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf. "What better artifact could there be to recreate the POW experience than an original rail car?" The Air Force Museum director expects it will help complete the prisoner-of-war display. Using train tracks, theatrical lighting and actual memorabilia, the museum will incorporate the vehicle as a walk-through exhibit. The museum plans to celebrate the arrival of the car in conjunction with POW/MIA Day on Sept. 21, Metcalf said. Downed American pilots were sent to Germany and Poland on this type of car during World War II, said Gen. François Beck, the French air force's air mobility commander. Beck was part of a small legion of officials on hand to witness the car being loaded onto the C-5 Galaxy aircraft from Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. Since cars like these, built between 1941 and 1944, transported prisoners of war, it is believed to be a part of military history. Although records cannot be found to trace the background of this box car, it bears the inscription "Hommes 40 -- Cheveaux 8," which translates to 40 men and eight horses because it was capable of transporting that many people or animals. The project started more than 18 months ago when the car was found in Dijon, France, for the POW Association. It was in poor condition and needed to be rebuilt. During the restoration, which began in December, many of the rusty original pieces were salvaged. All of the planks of the wood structure had to be replaced, and vintage supplies were used to maintain its antiquity. For Beck, who became involved in the project six months ago, it is more than part of the job. He has a personal connection. "My father was a prisoner of war during this time and was rescued by American soldiers," he said. "This is my chance to help give back to Americans." The complete story with pictures can be found at: http://www.af.mil/news/Jul2001/n20010726_1021.shtml ============================================== Editorial ----------------------------------------------- Well box cars seem to be a recurring theme here at your gram. The above story is something different from the gratitude train cars, but still of great interest. This story was forwarded by Mark Watson and a similar notice of it was sent by Dick Fresyer. Thanks gusy. ============================================== Mail Call ----------------------------------------------- Dear Gram, I guess I forgot to tell you that I identified the Commanding Officer of the Edison at the time the picture was taken (the one used for the MPC notes). He was CDR Walter Dedrick, shown in the attached picture in the Wardroom of the Edison (note the picture of Thomas Edison on the bulkhead). He is the man on the top of the sail on the picture and the MPC notes. That is where the CO always stands when leaving and entering port. The picture of the damaged Edison was the result of a collision off of Subic Bay in November 1982. Edison surfaced under a US Destroyer (DD-984). After the collision the Edison never submerged again. David K Mark...... Informative Article, On The Seminar.... Thank You For Sharing It With Us.....I Really Like Pic's. Ed ================================================ Departments --------------------------------------------------- Calendar of events for Gramsters maintained by Howard Daniel, John Wilson and Gram staff ---------------------------------------------------- August 2-5, 2001, 42nd Blue Ridge Numismatic Association, Dalton, GA (about one hour drive from the ANA Atlanta convention the following week) Over 150 Dealers Auction by Lucien Birkler, Washington, D.C. from M & M August 4-5, 2001 Meridian Area Coin Club Coin & Currency Show, Howard Johnson Inn, Meridian, MS August 7-12, 2001, ANA Convention at the Cobb Galleria Center, Atlanta, GA The Fourth Annual Paper Money & Historical Artifacts Show. Sheraton Grand hotel at Dallas/ Ft. Worth Airport. 4440 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving Texas 75063. August 16-19 2001. More than 75 dealers. Lyn Knight's 40th Anniversary sale August 18, 2001. AUGUST 16-19. 2001, 41st Missouri Numismatic Society Coin Festival, Hilton St. Louis Airport St. Louis, MO August 17-19, 2001, Ohio Coin Expo, Cleveland, OH, 125 tables, August 23-26, 2001, CSNS Fall Convention hosted by the MSNS in Dearborn, MI Auction by NTL/Scotsman Coins, Hyatt Regency Dearborn August 23-25, 2001, New England Coin Expo, Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA, 130 tables August 25-26, 2001, Golden State Coin Show, CSNS 109th Convention & NASC Masonic Temple Arcadia, CA August 31-Sept. 1-2, 2001, Ohio State Coin Show, Columbus Ohio Host CNS/COINS, Marriott North September 6 - 9, 2001, Illinois Numismatic Association (ILNA) Fall Show Countryside Illinois, Chicago Countryside Banquet hall Dealer Setup Thursday 4-8 P.M., Exhibits September 13 - 16, 2001, Strasburg Currency and Stock & Bond Show, Lancaster Host Hotel, Lancaster, PA.,100 Booths, Exhibits and Educational Programs, Auction by: R. M. Smythe & Co., Inc., Contact Kevin Foley (414) 421-3498 September 13-15, 2001, Milwaukee Numismatic Society 67th Annual Show Four Points Hotel, Milwaukee, WI 115 tables, Exhibits September 15 - 16, 2001, Red Rose Coin Club 43rd Annual Fall Show, Lancaster, PA., Exhibits September 21 - 23, 2001, Paul Padget's 18th Annual Greater Cincinnati Numismatic Exposition, Sharonville Convention Center, Small Auction by Paul Padget and major paper money auction by Currency Auctions of America Contact Paul Padget at (513) 821-2143 September 21 - 23, 2001, Virginia Numismatic Association, 43rd Annual Coin Show, Northern Virginia Community College Ernst Center, Annandale, VA September 21 - 23, 2001, Bick International Expos (www.bick.net) River Palms Hotel Casino, Glendale, CA September 27 - 30, 2001, North East Ohio Coin Club, 41st Annual Show, 100 Tables, Holiday Inn, Route 82 At I-71, Strongville, OH October 4 - 7, 2001, long Beach Coin and Collectible Expo Long Beach California Convention Center, 400 booths, Educational Programs, Auctions by Heritage and Ponterio World Paper Money Fair, run by London Chapter of IBNS October 6/7, 2001 Spink Auction October 5, 2001 Phillips Auction October 4, 2001 West London Paper Money Fairs are: July 15/September 2/November 18, 2001 Important 2002 events FUN, Orlando, 10-13 Jan, 2002 ANA spring show, Jacksonville, FL, 7-9 March 2002. EXHIBIT APPLICATION DEADLINE 11 FEB 2002. [Joe Boling, John and Nancy Wilson confirmed in attendance] MPCFest III, Port Clinton, Ohio CPMX, Chicago Feb 28- Mar 3, 2002, Lyn Knight auction of Leo May collection March 2002 8-19 MPCFest III [reservations in order received: Guido Crapanzano, Harold Kroll, Larry Smulczenski, Fred Schwan] ANA Annual Conventin EXHIBIT APPLICATION DEAD LINE 3 JUN 2002. W.W.II numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar, July 2002 ANA summer show, New York City, 30 July 4 - August 2002. EXHIBIT APPLICATION DEAD LINE 3 JUN 2002. The ANA convention schedule is as follows:  2001 - Atlanta, Georgia (August 8-12)  * 2002 - Jacksonville, Florida (March 7-9)  * 2002 - New York City, New York (July 31 - August 4) * 2003 - Charlotte, North Carolina (March)  * 2003 - Baltimore, Maryland (July)  * 2004 - Portland, Oregon (March)  * 2004 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (date to be announced)  * 2005 - Kansas City, Missouri (March)  * 2005 - California (city and date to be announced)  * 2006 - Denver, Colorado (date to be announced)  * 2007 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin (date to be announced)  These are the proposed convention sites and are subject to change by the Board of Governors. --------------------------------------------------- Donations are now being accepted for scholarships to the 2002 "Military Money" course at the 2002 ANA Summer Seminar. Inquiries and donations should be sent to: Military Numismatists c/o Marcus Turner 8103 East US Highway 36 Suite 163 Avon, IN 46123 Donors to 2002 Scholarship Fund Steve Feller Harold Kroll R. A. Medina ==================================================== Post/Base Exchange (PX/BX/NEX) Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale will be run here for free. Send your ads to the gram. This service is for everyone, most humble dealer or most advanced collector. The point is to make the gram more interesting. Send in a list of items for sale and we will list them here in the gram. In all cases confirm your order via email first. FOR SALE I would like to have the following notes included in the forsale section of the MPCGram. If you can work them in someway I’d appreciate it. US MPC Series 471 Dollar F $10.00 US MPC P Series 481 5 Cents 1st Prt AU/U $17.50 US MPC P Series 591 Dollar F $15.00 US MPC P Series 611 Dollar F+ $ 5.00 US MPC P- Series 681 $20 VF $15.00 US SC 1935-A Hawaii Dollar Block A-C G $50.00 (note is missing 4x5mm piece from right border, otherwise VG) US SC 1935-A Hawaii Dollar Block C-C VG $15.00 US SC 1935-A Hawaii Dollar Block P-C F $19.00 US SC 1935-A Hawaii Dollar Block S-C F+ $19.00 US SC 1935-A N. Africa Dollar Block C-C F+ $19.00 US SC 1935-A N. Africa Dollar Block R-C VG $15.00 US SC 1935-A N. Africa Dollar Block R-C F $17.00 GERMANY AMC P-191a ½ Mark AU $ 4.00 GERMANY AMC P-194a 10 Mark VF $10.00 GREAT BRITIAN P-M2 Shilling F $ 4.50 GREAT BRITIAN P-M3 2 Shilling/6 Pence F $ 7.00 GREAT BRITIAN P-M11a Shilling VF $22.50 JAPAN P-62 10 Sen “A” VF/XF $ 7.00 JAPAN P-63 10 Sen “B” AU/U $ 5.00 JAPAN P-64 50 Sen “A” AU $20.00 JAPAN P-65 50 Sen “B” AU/U $ 5.00 JAPAN P-66 One Yen “A” VF $ 8.00 JAPAN P-69a 5 Yen “B” XF+ $ 5.00 JAPAN P-70 10 Yen “A” VF $55.00 JAPAN P-71 10 Yen “B” XF+ $ 4.00 JAPAN P-73 20 Yen “B” XF $10.00 JAPAN SB-279 7.5 Yen Wartime Savings Bond XF $10.00 JAPAN SB-311 15 Yen Wartime Savings Bond AU $10.00 JAPAN SB-365 5 Yen Wartime Savings Bond XF $12.00 LIBYA P-M5a 50 Lire F $20.00 Notes will be sent first class - postpaid, however, if insurance is desired please advise and include insurance fees. I can be contacted at rrw@lynchburg.net or: Ron Waddell PO Box 840 Forest, VA 24551 WANTED Collectors may submit lists of items wanted for their collections for listing here. Dealers and collectors who have these items are then encouraged to list them or sale in the above section. This is a trial, if you like it, send your list. =================================================== Staff: publisher and editor: Fred Schwan - MPCGram@Yahoo.com; assistant editor - Phil Goldstein IWANTMYMPC@aol.com Tuesday columnist Joe Boling – JoeBoling@aol.com Thurski columnist Larry “Ski” Smulczenski –skifla@prodigy.net critic: Harold Kroll - MPCKid@AOL.com; index manager: Ed Beaman webmaster & technical advisor: Doug Bell - (Wiz): doug@papermoneyworld.net; The Boss: Judy Schwan ===== MPC Gram is published by BNR Press and papermoneyworld.com as a free service to the community of military money collectors. Your suggestions, criticisms, complaints, editorial contributions, letters, and even praise are very welcome. The entire contents including linked illustrations are copyright protected by the publishers. In the case of contributors, the copyright is protected on behalf of the creators. Please send all correspondence regarding the gram to MPCgram@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your participation. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/