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–1800s 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]

Fisk metallic burial case, from U.S. Patent 5920

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 Providence, Rhode Island. Within the first year of receiving the patent, Fisk set up a small foundry in Winfield Junction in Long Island, New York. In order to keep up with demand, Fisk additionally licensed the right to manufacture the case to two larger firms, including W.C. Davis & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio and A.C. Barstow & Co. of Providence.[6][7]

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, John G. Forbes, member of the 49th New York State Legislature and Horace White, 37th Governor of the State of New York. The following year, Fisk began experiencing declining health, fully unable to work in fall 1850. At this time, he transferred his patents and business to Forbes and White.[1][3][6][8]

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 New York Times reported that the Metallic Burial Case Company was folding.[8]

Endorsements

In April 1850, former U.S. Vice President and Secretary of State John C. Calhoun was buried in a Fisk coffin at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. At this time, Jefferson Davis, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster publicly endorsed the Fisk model, stating that in their opinion, the Fisk was "the best article known to us for transporting the dead to their final resting place".[8]

Locations

A Fisk coffin can be found on display at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee.[9]

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References
  1. Stonacek, Michael. "Unearthing the past". Columbia Missourian. Archived from the original on 2013-01-19. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  2. . (2007-09-19). "After Years Lost, Identity Reclaimed". Washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. "Alas, Poor ...Who? : The Colonial Williamsburg Official History Site". History.org. 2009-11-05. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  4. "Brick Chapel at St. Mary's City stands as a landmark of religious freedom". Cathstan.org. 2010-07-22. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  5. "US Patent 5,920: Almond D. Fisk – Improvement in Coffins". US Patent & Trademark Office. 1848-11-14. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  6. "Hidden Truths: Pamela Bannos". Hiddentruths.northwestern.edu. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  7. 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.
  8. "Crane & Breed Mfg. Co., Crane, Breed & Co., Crane & Breed Casket Co., Hearse, Funeral Coach, Invalid Car, - Coachbult.com". Coachbuilt.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  9. Meier, Allison (2013-12-30). "The Cast Iron Coffin That Was Too Creepy Even for the Victorians". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2019-12-17.
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