Description:

World War II Leaders
North Africa, ca. 1943
Eisenhower, Churchill, Eden & More Sign a Short Snorter, Likely at Casablanca, PSA Mint 9, Rare Example of Prominent Leaders on Same Item!
Slabbed signature
Short Snorter, 2 bills attached, a French 100 Franc Note and a British Two Shillings Six Pence Note, boldly signed by 11 prominent WWII leaders including Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Anthony Eden, Randolph S. Churchill, Ray E. Porter and H.R. Alexander. Items signed by both Churchill and Eisenhower are exceedingly scarce and have rarely surfaced. Expected wear to the bills, but boldly signed. Authenticated by PSA/DNA which has designated the signatures a Mint 9. The two bills measure 3.5" x 10.75," and they are encapsulated to an overall size of 9.75" x 13.25."

This extraordinary Short Snorter was most likely signed during the pivotal North Africa Campaign of World War II, specifically at the Casablanca Conference held from January 14–24, 1943, in Casablanca, Morocco. The combination of the French 100 Franc note and the British-issued Two Shillings Six Pence note suggests a direct connection to the North African theater, where Allied forces, led by figures such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, achieved their first major victory against the Axis powers. The Casablanca Conference was a high-level meeting of Allied leaders, including Churchill, Eisenhower, and British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, as well as other key military and political figures. This gathering was instrumental in shaping the next phase of the Allied strategy, including the decision to demand the unconditional surrender of Axis powers and the planning of the invasion of Sicily and Italy. The presence of Randolph S. Churchill, Brigadier General Ray E. Porter, and Field Marshal Harold Alexander—whose signatures also appear on this artifact—further aligns with the conference's attendees and the leadership actively involved in the North African Campaign.

At the Casablanca Conference, Churchill, Eisenhower, Eden, and the other signees of this Short Snorter played pivotal roles in coordinating Allied strategy and advancing plans for victory in the Mediterranean theater. Eisenhower, as Supreme Allied Commander in the region, worked closely with Churchill, a strong proponent of focusing efforts in North Africa and Southern Europe, to plan upcoming operations, including the invasion of Sicily. Eden provided crucial diplomatic expertise as Britain's Foreign Secretary, while Harold Alexander and Ray E. Porter were integral military leaders overseeing key campaigns in North Africa.

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 also 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". When someone famous popped up, soldiers would add them to their snorter.

French 100 Franc Note (Banque de l'Algérie):

This vibrant banknote, issued by the Banque de l'Algérie, is a classic example of French colonial currency used in North Africa during the mid-20th century. The note features a detailed illustration of a woman in traditional North African attire on the obverse, surrounded by intricate floral and geometric patterns. The reverse showcases an agricultural scene with lush foliage and workers in a vineyard, reflecting the region's colonial economy. The note is marked with the denomination of 100 Francs and exhibits serial numbers and official markings characteristic of the era. Its connection to French Algeria ties it to the North African theater of World War II.

British Two Shillings Six Pence Note (British Military Authority):

Issued by the British Military Authority, this note served as a form of military currency for British forces and their allies operating in occupied and liberated territories during World War II. The obverse features the denomination "Two Shillings Six Pence" prominently displayed within a central cartouche, framed by decorative scrollwork and the British crown emblem. The reverse presents an ornate design in muted tones of green and purple. This note was specifically used in North Africa and Mediterranean regions, symbolizing British financial and military influence during the campaign.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.75" x 13.25"
  • Medium: Slabbed signature

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