Imperial Russia Pilot-Observer's Badge

[Chuck In Oregon]

This is one of my favorite badges.

The badge and plate are identically proofed and hallmarked, suggesting to me that the plate is original to the badge. The screwback is merely proofed. They are all solid silver with some kind of coating or dip, something like the blueing you see on gunmetal, but a little thicker. Then the black color was rubbed off of the high points to give a very dramatic effect to the wings and swords and the telescope.

The eagle is solid gold. The right leg, as you are looking at the badge, fell off. The family actually had it in a little bag. A Georgian friend said "I can re-attach that leg, no problem." I, trusting fool that I am, said "Sure, go ahead." Bad, bad idea. He used a soldering iron (forgive me) and, of course, melted the delicate little leg into a tiny blob of gold. Oh well, live and learn, but you would think I'd know better at my age. At any age, really.

There. Ten threads promised and ten delivered. More to follow. Are there any Imperial collectors out there besides George and me? George, you've got some terrific things. I'm envious.

I really like early Imperial and Soviet aviation and I will trade for good pieces for good pieces.

Chuck

Edited November 19, 2005 by Chuck In Oregon

[GeorgeCL]

GREAT PIECE

I have just started, again tring to study up on Imp. Russian Aviation.

I have the few family pieces but tring to find reference in english is very dificult.

Were you able to get any photos of the observer with the badge?

Thanks for posting

George

[Chuck In Oregon]

No photos, this is an orphan piece.

I do have a cross-over Imperial-Red Army aviation group with a couple of badges, a photo and some documents. I'll get around to posting it one of these days.

Chuck