Metal headstone at Woodvale Union Cemetery
Although gravestones, also known as headstones, are primarily made of marble, granite, and more, hence the “stone” in their names, some are made of metal.
Back in the late 19th and early 20th century, people would page through a catalog or contact a salesperson from the Monumental Bronze Co. in order to choose a way to memorialize their loved ones. These gravestones came in a variety of shapes and sizes, with customizable accents and name plates.
Although they were made of zinc, they were marketed as being “white bronze” by the company. Bridgeport, CT was the main casting center, while there were branches of the business in New Orleans, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Des Moines, and even St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
Metal headstone in Harvard Grove Cemetery
Buying a gravestone from the Monumental Bronze Company involved seeking out a salesperson or going through a catalog, although postcards advertising the markers were sent around the U.S. and Canada.
Source: Finding Your Past
These gravestones were made by creating sand molds. The liquid zinc would be poured into the mold, and the resulting monument would then be sandblasted and lacquered. The end result was a grayish-blue finish that looked a little like stone, until you moved in more closely.
Metal gravestone at North Royalton Cemetery
How can you determine which gravestones are made by metal? It’s actually fairly easy. You’ll notice that:
- The grayish-blue tone stands out against the other gravestones in the cemetery, even those made of similarly colored stone.
- The “writing” (actually molded) on the gravestone is still in good condition and remains very easy to read.
- Since there were a limited number of styles available to choose from, you’ll begin to be able to pick out the general shapes and sizes.
Metal gravestone in North Royalton Cemetery
Sources:
Found in Ohio 