FERRY, Jules Brevet d'officier de l'Instruction... Lot 14

FERRY, Jules Brevet d'officier de l'Instruction publique décerné à Renier Chalon. Paris May 8, 1880 24.5 x 38 cm, hand-printed and completed, on B.F.K. laid paper, aut. sign. of Minister, aut. countersign. of H. Valmore, head of the archives office at the Ministry of Public Instruction, large dry stamp (center fold, slight soiling to frame and under date). In original brown paper envelope, ms. address, red wax seal with arms of the Belgian Legation in Paris (tear due to opening, but seal intact). An order created under the First Empire in 1808, the Palmes académiques were initially intended to honor members of the University (which then included high schools). In 1866, they were extended to non-teaching staff who had rendered outstanding services to education. This distinction testifies to R. Chalon's international standing. J. Ferry (1832-1893), Minister of Public Instruction on several occasions between 1879 and 1883, was at the origin of secular, free and compulsory schooling in France. Joint, 2 aut. docs. 1. non-s. letter from the Belgian Legation accompanying the patent. Paris, 14-05-1880. - 2 Chalon, R. - Draft of his reply to J. Ferry. [Brux, 1880]. (3 pcs)