An original French Order of Academic Palms, 3rd Class (knight) award. Good condition overall. Original ribbon complete with pins for wear on a uniform. 
 
The Ordre des Palmes Académiques is a national order bestowed by the French Republic on distinguished academics and teachers and for valuable service to universities, education and science.
 
Originally established in 1808 by Emperor Napoleon as a decoration to honour eminent members of the University of Paris, it was changed into its current form as an order of merit on 4 October 1955 by President René Coty, making it one of the oldest civil honours bestowed by the French Republic.