The Imperial Russian Air Service was established in 1912 with just a hand full of pilots and a few airplanes. This particular uniform belonged to a Warrant Officer Instructor at the Sebastapol Flying School (as indicated by bullion sleeve patch). The Sebastapo Flying School closed down in 1913. This pilots badge was only awarded during the 1912-1913 period at which time the Air Service changed to the Air Force and the WW1 Wing and Prop shoulder insgnia and new pilots badge became the emblems for the Air Force. The tunic is black with Engineer buttons. All pilots in the Imperial Russian Air Service were attached to the Engineers and wore the uniform of that branch of service. It sports the shoulder boards of a Warrant Officer with Aviation Two Headed Imperial Eagle with crossed propeller and sword and the 1912 pilots badge consisting of a screw back two headed Imperial Eagle with crosed propeller and sword. These badges were personally awarded to each pilot by the Czar himself. It also supports the badge for the Engineer Academy. Black hat with black velvet band and Officers Oval. This is probably the rarest of all early Air Service uniforms. Occasionally one sees the WW1 period Imperial Russian pilots uniforms but this is the only M-1912 tunic I have ever encountered.
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