Obsequies, JAN 20, 1827

The unusual plaque below came up for sale last weekend in the US.  The Oxford English dictionary defines 'Obsequies' as funeral rites, but the date on the tomb, 20 January 1827, is a mystery.  In the background is an army encampment.  I'd love to hear from anyone who can make sense of the date.  My half an hour on Google proved fruitless.

The plaque is now in Elinor Penna's collection.  Over five years ago, I exchanged with her two Staffordshire figures for the black and yellow plaques that form the core of my collection.  I've never regretted the swap, which seems as fair now as it did then.  Elinor has a world-class collection of English pottery and is knowledgeable about Sunderland lustre, Staffordshire figures, Pearlware, Measham (bargeware) and many other subjects.  She is President of the Staffordshire Figures Association, and also a dealer - primarily in Staffordshire, but always with a good selection of plaques too. The vast majority of her stock isn't listed on her website, so if you're looking for something in particular, e-mail Elinor and ask ([email protected]).