Ornate Decoration

This image is taken from a collection of French glass plate negatives taken between 1910 and 1920. It is possibly somewhere in the Loiret. Note the really ornate decorations behind the impressive grave. To the left (top) are the words A NOTRE AMI. Further (below) are three words, the middle of which is CAMARADE. I take this to mean Comrade, so perhaps a military person. The words on the slab reveal the name of the deceased is Ravise and the inscription on the front of the memorial is famille Ravise-Requis. Sadly, I can read no more - perhaps someone with better eyes can read more of the top of the slab? Two clicks on the image will give you an enlargement of the photograph.

American Headstone

A recent aquisition from America was a glass plate negative of a grave in an unknown cemetery. I estimate it to date from about 1900 and made a scan from it this evening. The name John E. Gibbs can clearly be read on the headstone which looks brand new. A sign to the left of the stone has the letters NB above VFA on it. Perhaps that means something to North American students of funerary architecture? Fascinatingly, a small plaque to the right reads 'Perpetual Care'. I wonder if the headstone has been crafted from Vermont Marble? I am intrigued by the white stone borders which seem to separate the plots as far as the eye can see. Comments are most welcome! Click twice on the image for a close up look!