How an air fleet was created in Moscow at the beginning of the 20th century

The history of aeronautics began in the late 18th — early 19th centuries, when balloons appeared. The Moscow Glavarchiv (Moscow Main Archive Department) preserved a certificate of the flight on such balloon by the famous magician Joseph Pinetti. The flight took place in Moscow in 1803 and cost to magician four thousand rubles — at that time it was a very large amount.

The popularity of aircrafts

Later, airplanes were invented. In Russia, aeronautics became so popular that, along with scientists and engineers, amateurs also tried to develop aircraft projects. The Moscow Society for the Promotion of the Advances in Experimental Sciences and Their Practical Applications named after Christopher Ledentsov received many requests for financial assistance in the construction of airplanes. This society did not remain indifferent and helped inventors, and sometimes subsidized the most talented. The airplanes designers which needed money for the construction appended to their applications the drawings and even photos of finished models.

In his request to society, a certain Dmitry Abramov wrote that he had developed a design of "an airplane flying like a bird." He also asked for the assistance of "educated people" to make a drawing "according to my words."

Badges with an eagle and an airplane for donations

The need for its own air fleet in the country at the beginning of the 20th century was well understood by the authorities, so it was announced that donations were collected for its creation.

In the leaflet of the All-Russian Aero Club, which strongly supported this campaign, it was written that Emperor Nicholas II left a resolution on the report on permission to collect donations: "I agree with pleasure and wish success to domestic aeronautics."

In Moscow, the creation of aircraft was carried out by the Moscow Organizing Committee for the collection of donations for the air fleet. To control the funds, the Moscow authorities prepared special receipt books. Receipts were given to donors, and their stump as part of receipt books were then returned to the office of the Moscow Governor-General, where the collected funds were counted.

The Muscovites — donors of aviation — were distinguish and encouraged. So men were awarded with special badges, and pendants on chains were provided for women. For a donation of 500 rubles, a gold badge was issued, for 100 rubles — a silver one. For smaller donations in the amount of five rubles, one could get a gilded silver badge with chain "Eagle with an airplane and St. Andrew's flag". The Muscovites donated from three to four rubles were awarded with gilded silver badge "Airplane in a wreath".

Muscovites took an active part in fundraising, thanks to which the creation of domestic aviation was significantly accelerated.