EXTREMELY RARE RUSSIAN MILITARY PILOT BADGE, 1916
Russian military pilot badge. Bronze insignia of an air forces officer - a pilot of the Russian Imperial Army. The badge features the Russian Imperial double-headed crowned eagle and a shield with the crest of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Between the eagle's claws, there is a sword and propeller. The Imperial Air Service existed from 1912 up to 1917 during the Russian Revolution. This Russian Pilot Badge is extremely rare. These badges were issued in the Russian Empire following the order number '306' of the War Department of Defense on June 13, 1916. They are made of silver-plated brass and have a solid construction, which is rarer than the hollow construction. See the additional photo as a sample of wearing this badge (the photo is not for sale).
CONDITION: In very good condition considering its age, with no visible damage or repairs. For additional information, please refer to the pictures.
PROVENANCE: 1. By descent through a THIRD generation Russian emigree family, New York, USA; 2. Antique Arena Inc, May 29, 2021, Brooklyn, NY, USA (the winner will receive this information); 3. Our sale of this item adds another layer of provenance. History of sale is very IMPORTANT for serious collection.
DIMENSIONS: 40 x 28 mm (1 5/8 x 1 1/8 inches).
REFERENCE: V.Kempf. Regimental Badges of Imperial Russia, Catalogue, 2008, item 6.5.20, Un - please see the screenshot (The catalog is selling lot 787001).
ESTIMATED PRICE: $700 - $3,000 (significantly lower than today's market price). You have a GREAT CHANCE to purchase a rare item for your collection, and over the years, its price will only INCREASE.
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INVESTMENT: This is a true investment and heirloom-quality piece of the highest level, as it will continue to increase in value each year. Karl Faberge pieces are sought after by collectors all around the world and are among the best investments one can make in their lifetime.
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A LIFETIME WARRANTY is provided for the originality of this particular item manufactured during the described period of time.
BEST INVESTMENT: If you are an individual or an investment company concerned about preserving your capital in these uncertain times, items with a LIFETIME WARRANTY are the best way to do so. Consider this: traditional banks typically offer annual returns of 1-3% on your funds, while inflation exceeds 5%. In contrast, collectible items with a LIFETIME WARRANTY can yield a minimum profit of 30-50% per year - with no associated risks. Some of our items with a LIFETIME WARRANTY have the potential to generate immediate profits of 100% or even more!! By the way, our estimated price is much lower than the market price for this item now. Please explore our "HISTORY of SALES" section and look at the screenshots for samples of similar items sold at renowned auctions, such as Sotheby's, Christie's, Live Auctioneers, eBay, and more. The choice is YOURS.

HISTORY: The Imperial Russian Air Service was an air force founded in 1912 for Imperial Russia. The Air Service operated for 5 years. It only saw combat in World War I before being reorganized and renamed in 1917 following the creation of Soviet Russia. It formed what would later become the Soviet Air Forces. At the beginning of World War I, Russia's air service was second only to that of France (263 aeroplanes and 14 airships), although the bulk of its aircraft were too outdated to be of much use. Initially, Russia used aviation only for reconnaissance and coordination of artillery fire. Later, several aeroplanes were armed with steel flechettes to attack ground targets (columns of enemy infantry and cavalry, campsites, etc.). Later, aeroplanes were armed with air-dropped bombs. On 8 September 1914, the Russian pilot Pyotr Nesterov performed the first aerial ramming aircraft attack in the history of aviation. Later, Lt. Vyacheslav Tkachov became the very first Russian pilot who shot down an enemy aircraft with a handgun. He attacked a German 'Albatros' and shot the enemy pilot. In 1916 the size and force of naval aviation was increased, the Black Sea Fleet had two seaplane carriers and fourteen M-9 seaplanes. During World War I, 269 Russian aviators were awarded the St. George military decorations (St George Sword, Order of St. George or Cross of St. George), 5 aviators were awarded the Chevalier's National Order of the Legion of Honour, 2 aviators were awarded the Military Cross, 2 aviators were awarded the Order of the White Eagle and many others were awarded medals. 26 aviators became flying aces of Russian Empire. The most successful Russian flying ace and fighter pilot was Alexander Kazakov, who shot down 20 enemy aeroplanes. After the February Revolution of 1917 the Imperial Russian Air Service was reformed.

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