France, Iii Republic. A Decoration Of Academic Palms, Knight, C.1920

(Ordre des Palmes Académiques). Instituted 1808. Type III. Constructed of silver, consisting of a partially enameled purple wreath of laurel and palm branches, embellishing by six red bright stones along of the laurel branch, with a surmounted non-genuine diamond stone, the reverse is plain, measuring 26.80 mm (w) x 39.08 mm (h), presenting faded purple enamel and slightly toned silver, suspended by original chest ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Decoration of Academic Palms was established in 1808, and was the precursor to the Order of the Academic Palms, founded in 1955. In 1855, the Decoration was reformed, and two grades were created, i.e., Officer of Public Education, and Officer of Academy. These grades were also recognized for the color of the thread. In 1866, the Decoration was amended again, and it became Decoration awarded on a purple breast ribbon and made of some metal; nevertheless, the 1855 grades remained in the Decoration. In 1955, the Decoration was promoted to an Order that consists of three Grades; Commander, Officer, and Knight.