Special Committee For the Strengthening of the Russian Naval Fleet /Высочайше учрежденный особый комитет по усилению военного флота на добровольные пожертвования/ was established in February 1904. In 1909 inside the Special Committee an Air Fleet Department /Отдел воздушного флота/ was organized headed by Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich (1866–1933). At the expense of the Committee, the first Russian pilots were sent to France to study the art of flying - 5 officers and 7 lower ranks. For 1,000,000 rubles the committee purchased 90 aircraft in three years and organized an aviation schools in Sevastopol and Gatchina.
Full history of Special Committee https://asiamedals.info/threads/rus...zhennyj-na-dobrovolnye-pozhertvovanija.24644/
See also https://asiamedals.info/threads/air...ons-for-the-imperial-air-fleet-in-1913.24634/
The Committee established a number of badges and jettons /watch fobs/ that were issued for raising funds for the development of the Air Force and Naval Aviation.
Full history of Special Committee https://asiamedals.info/threads/rus...zhennyj-na-dobrovolnye-pozhertvovanija.24644/
See also https://asiamedals.info/threads/air...ons-for-the-imperial-air-fleet-in-1913.24634/
The Committee established a number of badges and jettons /watch fobs/ that were issued for raising funds for the development of the Air Force and Naval Aviation.
Gold breast badge was issued for a donation of 500 rubles. Silver breast badge was issued for a donation of 100 rubles. The wreaths of the badges are framed by a blue enamel ribbon with the inscription: "Strength of Russia - Air Fleet". Badges were worn on the left side of the chest. Both were established on June 25, 1912.
Original Imperial Edict.
Jetton "plane inside a wreath" /"Жетон самолёт в венке"/ was issued for a one-time donation of at least 3 rubles /"three-ruble denomination jetton"/"жетон трехрублевого достоинства"/. The wreath of the jetton is framed by a blue enamel ribbon with the inscription: "Strength of Russia - Air Fleet/Сила России - Воздушный Флот". An eyelet was soldered over the wreath, with the help of which the jetton was attached to the watch chain. Established on June 25, 1912 by the decision of the general meeting of the Committee: "To issue inexpensive, three-ruble jettons to be worn on a chain, so that everyone who has contributed to the cause needed by the Motherland has a memento of this"/"Выпустить недорогие, трехрублевого достоинства жетоны для ношения на цепочке, чтобы каждый, внесший свою лепту на нужное Родине дело, имел на то память"/.
Jetton "Eagle with a plane and St. Andrew's flag" /"Жетон «Орел с самолетом и Андреевским флагом"/ was issued for a one-time donation of at least 5 rubles. Established on December 3, 1912. Jetton was wearing on a chain attached to a button.
Original Imperial Edict.