The certificate comes in its original 9" x 11 ¼" leatherette-wrapped folder with the state emblem of the Belorussian SSR embossed on the front cover above the lettering, surprisingly only in Belorussian, reading "Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic", and "Honorary Certificate of the Supreme Council of the BSSR". The document, also only in Belorussian, states that the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the BSRR honors Nikolai Plankin for his outstanding service in guarding the state borders of the USSR and on occasion of the 30th anniversary of the MGB of the USSR Border Guards.

The combination of "MGB" and "Border Guards" in one document makes it somewhat rare because MGB replaced NKGB in 1946 when all NK's (People's Commissariats) were reorganized into Ministries. However, it existed only until 1954 when it was "downgraded" from a Ministry to a Committee, radically reduced in personnel, and became KGB, controlled by the Soviet of Ministers of the USSR. All this time, border guards remained under control of State Security, whatever the acronym. However, "border guards of the MGB of the USSR" was a viable phrase only for a short period of eight years.

The document bears the seal of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the BSSR, and is hand-signed by its Chairman and Secretary. The document bears serial number 4372 and is dated 21 February 1951.

In very good condition. The leatherette of the cover shows minor wear, mostly at the corners and along the edges. The emblem of the BSSR on the front cover shows an unfortunate but, thankfully, small ink blot. The back cover shows an imprint of a round object in 2 places. Inside, the cover features champagne-colored silk panels showing some mild soiling.

The document shows mild wrinkling and creasing along the vertical edges, as well as very mild soiling. However, all the graphics, typographical and handwritten text, seal and signatures are crisp and clear, unaffected by any wear.

Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.