Fisk metallic burial case
Fisk metallic burial cases were patented in 1848 by Almond Dunbar Fisk and manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island. The cast iron coffins or burial cases were popular in the mid–19th century among wealthier families. While pine coffins in the 1850s would have cost around $2, a Fisk coffin could command a price upwards of $100. Nonetheless, the metallic coffins were highly desirable by more affluent individuals and families for their potential to deter grave robbers.[1][2]
The case was custom-formed to the body, resembling an Egyptian sarcophagus with sculpted arms and a glass window plate for viewing the face of the deceased, without the risk of exposure to odor or pathogens. The airtight cases were valued for their potential to preserve the remains of individuals who died far from home, until they could be shipped back for burial by the family.[3] This type of burial in the 19th century indicated that the individual buried was someone of cultural and societal importance.[1][4]
Manufacturing background
The Fisk metallic burial case was designed and patented by Almond D. Fisk under US Patent No. 5920[5] on November 14, 1848. In 1849, the cast iron coffin was publicly unveiled at the New York State Agricultural Society Fair in Syracuse, New York and the American Institute Exhibition in New York City.[6][7]
In response to the high demand, Fisk established the Fisk and Raymond Company and began production in
In fall 1849, the foundry was destroyed by fire, along with all of company's machinery, tools, and inventory. In an effort to rebuild his business, Fisk borrowed $15,000 from two investors,
Fisk was succeeded by William H. Forbes, son of initial investor, John G. Forbes. In 1875, Fisk's brother-in-law, William M. Raymond, partnered with Forbes and restructured the company as W.M. Raymond & Company. In subsequent years, Syracuse City Attorney, Daniel Phelps Wood, gained controlling interest in W.M. Raymond & Company and made his brother, William S. Wood the foundry's superintendent.[8]
In October 1877, the name was changed to the Metallic Burial Case Company. On December 7, 1888, the
Endorsements
In April 1850, former U.S. Vice President and Secretary of State
Locations
A Fisk coffin can be found on display at the
References
- ^ a b c Stonacek, Michael. "Unearthing the past". Columbia Missourian. Archived from the original on 2013-01-19. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "After Years Lost, Identity Reclaimed". Washingtonpost.com. 2007-09-19. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ a b "Alas, Poor ...Who? : The Colonial Williamsburg Official History Site". History.org. 2009-11-05. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "Brick Chapel at St. Mary's City stands as a landmark of religious freedom". Cathstan.org. 2010-07-22. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "US Patent 5,920: Almond D. Fisk – Improvement in Coffins". US Patent & Trademark Office. 1848-11-14. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- ^ a b c "Hidden Truths: Pamela Bannos". Hiddentruths.northwestern.edu. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ a b Wescott, Daniel. "A Fisk Patent Metallic Burial Case from western Missouri: a interdisciplinary and comprehensive effort to reconstruct the history of an early settler of Lexington, Missouri (Daniel Wescott) - Academia.edu". Txstate.academia.edu. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ a b c d "Crane & Breed Mfg. Co., Crane, Breed & Co., Crane & Breed Casket Co., Hearse, Funeral Coach, Invalid Car, - Coachbult.com". Coachbuilt.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ Meier, Allison (2013-12-30). "The Cast Iron Coffin That Was Too Creepy Even for the Victorians". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2019-12-17.