A 19th C Danish tin memorial plaque from the grave of a Jewish gardener or farmer dated 1823. Remarkably, this piece of painted tin still retains its six pointed star (Star of David) and curlicue tin border ornamentation. The man's name on this plaque is Hans Hansen, long lost in the mists of time, yet surprisingly present and personal.

According to our admittedly rough translation of the archaic Danish, the inscription reads as follows:

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Here below lie

the remains (dust) of former farmer (gardener)

Hans Hansen of Taarnby

(painted six pointed star symbol, the Star of David to us) d. 2nd January 1823

I believe this says "Hvil i fred" (Rest in Peace)

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CONDITION is as shown, with the honest wear and patina you would want to find. I'm amazed that this old tin has survived as well as it has. Measures 12 5/8" (32 cm) wide and 11" (28 cm) tall including the star.

I understand from a fellow shop owner of Danish descent that space in cemeteries is rented in Denmark, and that old grave markers are disposed of when the family either dies out or chooses to discontinue payment, as was certainly the fate that brought this fine example to market.

For the collector of funeral items, memento mori, or cemetery memorial ornaments in particular, this is a fascinating find.