Significant Academic Award of France?

[d-riemer]

How significant is the Officer's grade of the Academic Palms awarded by France in 1988 to the high-ranking physician Dr. Atanas Maleev? Dr. Maleev was Assistant Secretary of Health in the Peoples Republic Bulgaria who had published many scientific papers. He was also the brother in law of Todor Zhivkov, Bulgarian's ruler from 1956 to 1989.

[Prosper Keating]

It's quite significant in that it proves how close to Red totalitarianism the true heart of French socialism is. Lionel Jospin, the signing minister of the certificate, is the Red who was Prime Minister of France until last year, when the stunning result of the presidential election here in France - the Nazis almost got in - forced him to resign, leaving the way open for a centre-right reformist whose ideas are mired in the British Thatcherite doctrines of the 1980s. Brigitte Klein is another member of the Red clique in France. Well...you did ask!! Seriously though, climbing down off my Neo-Strasserite soapbox, it is a very interesting ensemble and quite collectible. The Palms are not easily earned. Unless of course you happen to be someone the Reds approve of...

Oops, sorry, there I go again.

PK

[d-riemer]

Prosper,
thanks for connecting the Order of the Academic Palms I show with very recent events in France. I don't know anything about French decorations and stumbled into this group from the Bulgarian side.

I see the Order of the Academic Palms listed in Vernon's Collector Guide (1995). The order was founded by Napoleon in 1808. Since 1870, the 6th type is being awarded that comes in 4 classes: Commander, Officer-gold, Officer-silver amd Knight-silver.

You are right, not too many have been awarded because the listed price of the Officer-silver is relatively high for a type existing since 1870 ($150).

[Edelweiss]

Hi, Prosper

You know what ? I really love the true delicate way you always choose your words !
Alors, on le boit quand, ce coup ?

[Prosper Keating]

Originally posted by Edelweiss
Hi, Prosper

You know what ? I really love the true delicate way you always choose your words !
Alors, on le boit quand, ce coup ?

Well, what's the point in being subtle? I sometimes feel that the time has come for hangman's ropes and lampposts in Europe, not just strong words. But this is off-topic so we can discuss the New Revolution over that drink. I will be in the South in the middle of July, near Arles and then Montpellier.

PK

[Edelweiss]

Aw, c'mon, just a little more on the east side...

[eschena]

Here are some examples of the Palmes Academiques

I have always liked the French Palmes Academiques. The current verion comes in three classes, Commandeur, Officier, and Chevalier. Earlier versions came in two classes based on which type of educational institution the recipient worked.

The one displayed on the original post looks odd to me. Belgium awarded a "palmes" decoration in association with the Order of the Crown (I believe) and those look like that decoration, but with a completely different ribbon. The French Palmes Academiques are enameled and have a purple ribbon unlike the Belgian ones.

Here are my six examples. From left to right, top row:

1. Officier d?Acad?mie class - c. 1920 or so. This is the typically seen 3rd Republic version in silver and enamel. The enamel is damaged as is almost always seen on the earlier decorations - the purple veining is thin and particularly fragile.
2. Officier d?Instruction Publique - another c. 1920 or so. The badge is gilt and has a rosette on the ribbon.

3. Officier d?Acad?mie class - "deluxe" version, c. 1900 or so - This example was a private purchase version and has chased leaves and a faceted "ball" at the suspension to simulate a jewel, similar to...

4. Officier d?Acad?mie class - "deluxe" version, c. 1900 or so - this one has small probably quartz stones in the suspension and small round red cabochon cut stones for berries. This is another private purchase item to "dress" up the badge.

Bottom row:

5. Current model of the Chevalier classmade at the Paris Mint. The enamel is now a lot more robust than the earlier badges but IMHO not nearly as attractive.

6. Current model of the Officier classmade at the Paris Mint.
The Commandeur badge (which I do not have - I am looking for a decent earlier version) is a neck badge.

Hope that helps!
Eric

[d-riemer]

Great response!

Hello Eric,
thanks for your detailed reply. The depth of knowledge in this forum is awesome.

The badge and document I show came from the estate of Dr. Maleev, but not directly. I think they started their travel as part of a large group that moved through several hands. In this process, items were removed and others probably mixed up. One Academic Palms award looks like another one to the uninformed.

Thanks again for your effort to provide factual information and supporting pictures.