Discovered in an antique frame during restoration, this 19th-century Dutch military service memorial print and an 1892 handwritten marriage certificate were found together — untouched for roughly 130 years. Both pieces are authentic, period originals, offering an incredible glimpse into Dutch and early American immigrant history.
The colorful lithograph, marked “S. Lankhout & Co’s Hage”, depicts a uniformed soldier beneath the Dutch coat of arms, surrounded by drums, rifles, and flags — with the heading “Ter Herinnering aan Mijn Diensttijd” (“In Remembrance of My Service Time”). This print was likely created to commemorate a soldier’s military service in the Netherlands during the late 1800s.
Hidden behind it was a beautifully ornate 1892 marriage certificate, issued by A.H. Eilers Publishing Co., St. Louis, MO, for a couple married in Orange City, Iowa — a known Dutch immigrant settlement. The certificate includes elaborate Victorian border art and legible signatures from witnesses and the Justice of the Peace.
Together, these two pieces form a one-of-a-kind historical time capsule, connecting Old World Dutch heritage with New World immigrant life.
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🖼️ Details
Front Print: S. Lankhout & Co’s Hage, late 19th century
Text: “Ter Herinnering aan Mijn Diensttijd” (In Remembrance of My Service Time)
Hidden Document: A.H. Eilers Publishing Co., St. Louis, MO, Series No. 2, dated October 3, 1892
Frame Size: See pictures
Condition:
Print: Minor edge wear, a few chips and light toning
Marriage Certificate: Preserved under frame; age toning but fully legible
Frame: Original wood, aged patina, secure but shows typical wear from 19th-century use
Provenance: Discovered behind the print after removing the backing of the frame — untouched since circa 1890s.
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Ships to Continental U.S. only.
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Item will be professionally packed with cardboard protection, and bubble wrap to ensure safe delivery.
💰 Price
🔑 Keyword Block
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