Early Soviet Balloon Observer?

[Chuck In Oregon]

That's only a guess, but what else could it be? Early '20s, I think. This came with a very interesting family group of WW I things, with photos and a document. The two brothers were WW I aviators. One of the photos is a unit photo around what I think is a Sopwith Camel.

I love the very early aviation things and this group is a keeper.

This family was Georgian royalty. Dukes. This trip I have acquired the brother's gold cross Order of St. George. I'll share it in a separate thread once I get back home. It makes quite an interesting family group.

Chuck

[Esteban_cool]

Why the anchor?

[Chuck In Oregon]

Good question, E. I can only make an entirely unsupported guess. Balloons were used for naval and land-based anti-aircraft defence well into WW II and maybe beyond, and for naval and land observation and signalling. So, maybe naval balloon troops? I have absolutely no back-up for this guess, however.


My wife just reminded me that they used to throw anchors out of balloons when they were trying to moor them. She's absolutely right, but I don't have a clue whether that is significant to the badge's anchor. I tend to lean more towards the naval theme.

Hmmm. I'll bet that was an exciting change in the balance and centre of gravity in an open balloon gondola when you threw out a heavy anchor. And if you misjudged and the anchor hit the end of the rope before it hit the ground, I'll bet things got just a little tippy up there.

I have since acquired a few other really interesting things from this same family and I'll share them a little later on.

Chuck