In folio format, huge at approx. 21" x 14" unfolded. Even the outside pages, reverse to the certificate proper, are tastefully decorated. The certificate inside spreads over both pages, and is lavishly decorated with symbols of the Armed Forces above, and music and arts below the text of the certificate.

The certificate was issued by the Committee for matters of the arts at the Council of Ministers of the USSR to Anna Sterlin (Анна Львовна Стерлин) for achievements in the field of cultural patronage over the Armed Forces of the USSR, and on occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Armed Forces and the 25th anniversary of cultural patronage over them.

The award is signed by P. Lebedev, Chairman of the Committee, P. Tarasov, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Arts Workers Trade Union, and Yu. Lyubitskiy, Executive Secretary of the Central Commission for Patronage over the Armed Forces.

In fair to good condition. There are spots where the paper has been exposed to water, and spots singed by nearby heat or open fire. Exposure to fire inevitably made the paper brittle, which led to some loss of paper. The damage looks like scars left by the great war that had been won not even three years prior.

We know from another achievement certificate issued to Anna Sterlin and signed by none other than Marshal Zhukov, that Anna Sterlin was a pianist, performing mostly as an accompanist during cultural patronage concerts given to the Soviet troops.

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