On offer is a rare and meaningful bronze commemorative plaque, dating to the mid-20th century, issued by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways) to honor the construction and later replacement of the Catherine Miller Bridge near Deventer, Netherlands. This historic piece not only captures a significant wartime engineering effort but also commemorates the 1982 unveiling of a modern railway bridge by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

Whether you’re a collector of military memorabilia or historical railway artefacts, this plaque offers a tactile connection to post-WWII reconstruction — and a distinctive piece of Dutch and Allied military collaboration history.

Expertly cast in bronze and rich in aged patina, this presentation plaque features two sides:
• One replicates the original 1945 bridge dedication tablet, listing figures such as Lt. Col. W.T. Everall OBE RE and Major General D.J. McMullen CB CBE DSO, alongside units of the Royal Engineers, Pioneer Corps, and Netherlands Railways.
• The reverse marks the 1982 ceremonial reopening, led by Prince Bernhard, for the new double-track bridge spanning the River IJssel.

Housed in its original Nederlandse Spoorwegen branded presentation box, this rare item would have been produced in extremely limited numbers—likely for VIPs, dignitaries, or railway officials.

📌 KEY FEATURES
✅ Genuine cast bronze – Mid-century commemorative design
✅ Double-sided – Replicates 1945 & 1982 bridge tablets
✅ Issued by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) – Dutch national railway
✅ Condition: Excellent with light surface wear; beautiful original patina
✅ Includes original NS presentation box – marked with NS logo
✅ Measurements:
• Height: Approx. 6.7 cm (2.6 in)
• Width: Approx. 10.3 cm (4 in)
• Depth: Approx. 0.8 cm (0.3 in)
• Box: Slight age wear consistent with age

✅ Rare example – Not commonly found in public circulation

💡 STYLING TIP
Display in a shadow box, alongside military or railway memorabilia, or as a standalone focal piece on a shelf or desk. Pairs well with historic prints, model trains, or wartime ephemera.

🎁 PERFECT FOR:
✔️ Collectors of military history or railway memorabilia
✔️ Lovers of meaningful, historic décor
✔️ Gift for history buffs or WWII enthusiasts
✔️ Display in offices, libraries, or commemorative spaces

🔍 PROVENANCE / MAKER NOTES:
This plaque was issued by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) in 1982 as part of a commemoration of the Catherine Miller Bridge, a temporary military structure built just after WWII using standard equipment and engineering expertise from the Royal Engineers and Pioneer Corps. The original bridge was a symbol of Allied engineering speed and post-liberation recovery.

The double-sided format honors both the original 1945 dedication and the 1982 replacement, opened by Prince Bernhard. Its limited production suggests it was not a commercial item but rather an institutional commemorative piece.

📏 MEASUREMENTS
• Height: 6.7 cm / 2.6 in
• Width: 10.3 cm / 4 in
• Depth: 0.8 cm / 0.3 in
• Weight: Unknown (likely substantial due to solid bronze)

📦 SHIPPING & INTERNATIONAL BUYERS
We ship worldwide using tracked, insured services. Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your location — no surprises. All items are securely packed with care and experience.

📌 WHY IT MATTERS
This is more than a decorative plaque — it’s a tangible record of a pivotal moment in European post-war history. It honors international cooperation, rapid engineering ingenuity, and royal recognition of national resilience. Rarely found outside institutional archives or private collections.

stock code 290825