The “White Bronze” Phenomenon

by Kaylee Hauck

With nearly 180 years of operation and over 137,000 burials, there are a plethora of interesting headstones to find at Allegheny Cemetery. These monuments might be interesting because of their size, shape, or even because of who they commemorate. But some headstones are interesting because of the material they’re made of.

Traditionally, popular materials for headstones included marble, granite, and bronze, among others. But during the late nineteenth century, another material began making waves in the industry. Often referred to as “white bronze,” zinc headstones became popular in the 1870s because it was an inexpensive material that could be sandblasted to imitate the matte appearance of stone. During the creation process, zinc markers were covered in linseed oil and steamed at a high pressure (a process called “steam bluing”), which gave the material its distinct blue-gray color. This technique was popularized by The Monumental Bronze Company, which was based out of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and operated from 1874 until 1914.

These headstones, sometimes referred to as “Zinkies” or “Zinkers,” were constructed of plates that were bolted together from the inside. Panels are bolted to the outside of the markers and could be switched out easily. When tapped, they make a hollow sound.

An example of the bolted-on panel of a zinc monument. The Brawdy monument is located in Sect. 9, Lot 363.

There were several advantages to having a marker made of zinc. Granite and marble, also popular materials at the time, could be pricey, especially the more ornate a headstone was. Zinc markers were a fraction of the price, and they could be highly customizable. It was an alternative for people who wanted a nice headstone but couldn’t afford granite or marble.

While there were several advantages to zinc, there are some downsides, too. Zinc is brittle and prone to breaking. Larger zinc markers also experienced what’s called “creep,” or sagging, which over time required an internal structure to prevent collapse. Because of this, and several other reasons, many cemeteries banned zinc, as they saw it as an “inferior” material for headstones.

In the modern day, only granite and bronze headstones are permitted at Allegheny Cemetery. Despite this, there are several zinc monuments found throughout the grounds.Near the bottom of Section 22, in Lot 43, sits the Owens monument. From far away, the marker appears to be granite – but as you get closer and the details become clearer, you can see the characteristic blue-grey color that distinguishes zinc markers from others.

The monument commemorates Mary J. Owens, wife of Thomas J. Owens. The marker has several symbols and inscriptions, but the most prominent one reads: In her own words, “It is good to prepare for death before it comes.” She died as she lived, a Christian.

The Owens monument, located in Section 22, Lot 43.

In Section 17, Lot 151, the zinc marker for Harriet Dunseath Ingold can be found. Inscribed with the words “Beloved wife of John M. Ingold,” Harriet’s ornate marker includes imagery of a broken chain and a crow, which often indicates a life cut short. Harriet was 56 years old when she died in 1880.

The Ingold monument, located in Section 17, Lot 151.

Section 9 has a zinc monument of its own. In Lot 363 lies the headstone marking the final resting place of the Brawdy family. James Brawdy, buried at Allegheny Cemetery in 1890, may have been a liveryman who lived in the Hill District in the late 19th century. He was 79 years old when he passed.

The Brawdy monument is located in Sect. 9, Lot 363.

The next time you visit Allegheny Cemetery, be on the lookout for the distinct blue-grey color of a zinc headstone.

Sourcing: The Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, “Zinc Markers,” retrieved from https://fomh.org/cemetery/mausoleums/zinc-markers/; Grissom, Carol A, “Cemetery Monuments Made of Zinc,” Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute; “Zinkies,” retrieved from SaveTheGravesElDorado.org.