Bronze Death Date Scrolls for Grave Markers

What Are Bronze Death Date Scrolls?

A bronze death date scroll is a small engraved bronze plate that attaches to an existing companion grave marker or headstone. When families purchase a companion monument — designed for two people buried side by side or in a double-depth plot — one person's dates are often left blank until they are needed. The bronze date of death plate fills that space, allowing the final date information to be added to the marker without replacing or re-engraving the entire stone. These pieces are also referred to as grave marker date plates, date tabs, or final date scrolls, and they are one of the most practical and affordable ways to complete a companion headstone.

Types of Bronze Date Plates for Headstones

Year-Only Date Scrolls: The simplest and most common option displays just the year of passing. Year-only scrolls are small, typically one to two inches wide, and are designed to fit into a pre-cut recess on the existing marker. This is the most affordable style and the easiest to install.

Full-Date Scrolls: A full-date bronze death date scroll displays the complete date of passing, including month, day, and year. These plates are slightly larger than year-only scrolls and are a popular choice for families who want the full date recorded on the monument.

Name and Dates Scrolls: For markers where the surviving individual's name was not included on the original monument, a name-and-dates scroll provides enough space for both the full name and dates. This is common when one spouse prefers not to have their information placed on the marker while still living.

Bronze Date Tabs: Some families refer to smaller, tab-style bronze date plates simply as bronze date tabs. These are functionally the same as date scrolls but may be shaped differently depending on the monument design. We carry a range of sizes and shapes to match virtually any existing grave marker layout.

How Bronze Grave Marker Date Plates Work

Ordering: To order a bronze grave marker date plate, you will need to know the size of the recess on the existing marker. Most companion headstones are manufactured with a pre-drilled opening sized for a standard scroll. If you are unsure of the size, contact the cemetery or monument company that produced the original marker. Our team can also help you determine the correct fit.

Customization: Every bronze death date scroll we sell is custom engraved to match the font, finish, and layout of your existing monument. You can choose background color, border design, and text formatting so that the new plate blends seamlessly with the original engraving. The bronze date plates for headstone applications are finished to match either a polished or oxidized patina, depending on the age and style of the marker.

Installation: Installing a bronze death date scroll is straightforward. The marker's pre-existing screw holes hold threaded posts, which are covered by temporary plugs until the scroll is needed. To install, simply remove the plugs, align the new plate, and secure it with the provided screws. Most families can complete the installation themselves in a few minutes without professional help.

Choosing the Right Scroll for Your Monument

Size and Fit: Measure the recess on the existing grave marker before ordering. Most recesses are rectangular, but some older or custom monuments may have non-standard shapes. If you are uncertain, our customer service team can walk you through the measurement process.

Finish and Patina: Newer monuments with bright bronze will pair best with a polished-finish scroll. Older markers that have developed a natural patina may look more cohesive with an oxidized or dark-background plate. We offer finish options to match both.

Related Products: If you are shopping for a full companion headstone rather than just a date scroll, browse our bronze grave marker plaques, which include full-size bronze memorials for both single and companion monuments. For smaller identification plates used in mausoleums and columbariums, see our crypt plaques and niche plaques. Families who need decorative cemetery accessories can also explore our grave decorations and grave marker vases.

Bronze Death Date Scroll Cost and Ordering

The bronze death date scroll cost depends on the size, engraving complexity, and finish you choose. Year-only scrolls start at the lowest price point, while name-and-dates plates with custom layouts are higher. All of our bronze death date scrolls for grave markers include free engraving and free shipping nationwide. If you need help choosing the right scroll or have questions about sizing, our customer service team is available by phone or email to assist you.