Avia

AVIA S-199 AIRPLANE
STATE MEDAL 5764/2004
12th in the “Airplanes that Made History” Series

This series of medals commemorates the airplanes of the Israeli Air Force. Each one made its mark on the history of the country and is associated with its specific period of operation. The planes have been reproduced in precise detail on the medals, designed by Eliezer Weishoff, in consultation with the Public Committee headed by the former Commander of the Air Force, Major General Eitan Ben Eliahu.
This medal is dedicated to Israel’s first fighter plane, AVIA S-199, nicknamed “the knife”. At the end of World War II, these planes were in excess at the factory in the Czechoslovakia, particularly the Beach Craft Model (BF 109G), but without the proper, Daimler-Benz engine. Substituting the Jumo 211F engine instead, the newly established State of Israel purchased four of these planes and used them in Israel’s first air attack against the Egyptian forces. In 1949, the AVIA S-199 airplanes were replaced by the Spitfire and the Mustang.

Obverse: The “knife” S-199 in flight with a view of Timna Park in the background; the word “knife” appears in Hebrew along the upper border, as well as “AVIA S-199” in English.

Reverse: A stylized design of a bird in flight with the hills of Jerusalem above it and the Israeli Air Force emblem below it; the verse “HIS WINGS SHALL FILL THE BREADTH OF THY LAND” (Isaiah 8) is inscribed in Hebrew along the upper border of the medal and in English along the lower border. The silver/925 proof medal is with gold-plated sterling silver insert and the bronze proof medal is with sterling silver insert.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and metal.

Designer: Eliezer Weishoff.

Engraving: Romania.

Mint:
Bronze and Silver Medals: Romania.
Gold Medal: The Government Mint, Israel.