WW1 Next of Kin Memorial Bronze Death Plaque to "John Pearis Dalton" (South African). 12cm.

Records indicate that a John Pearis Dalton of the South African Infantry died on 18 October 1916 (aged 20). He was buried in France. These bronze memorial plaques, nicknamed 'The Dead Man's Penny' (because of the superficial similarity to the much smaller penny coin), were issued to the next of kin of WWI deceased.

The design was by the sculptor and medallist Edward Carter Preston. The obverse includes an image of Britannia holding a trident and standing with a lion. The designer's initials, E.CR.P., appear above the front paw. In her outstretched left hand Britannia holds an olive wreath above the ansate tablet bearing the deceased's name cast in raised letters. Below the name tablet, to the right of the lion, is an oak spray with acorns. The name does not include the rank since there was to be no distinction between sacrifices made by different individuals. Two dolphins swim around Britannia, symbolizing Britain's sea power, and at the bottom a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle. The reverse is blank. Around the picture the legend reads (in capitals) "He died for freedom and honour".

Diameter: 12cm