Coffins, Gravestones, and other Sepulchral Patents
A life-preserving coffin in doubtful cases of death. A liquid coffin. An annunciator for the dead. What other brilliant ideas did the death industry bring to market in the 1800’s?
If you’ve never spent time searching through Google Patents, you are missing out! Here’s a collection of some ideas people had in the 1800’s surrounding death and dying.
A “life-preserving coffin in doubtful cases of death.” The coffin could be opened “by the slightest motion of either the head or hand” causing “instantaneous opening of the coffin-lid.” Patented by Christian H. Eisenbrandt
A box to hold ice which is “placed over the body on the cooling board touching the chest and abdomen, and freezing those parts in a very short time.” Patented by Robert Frederick and G.A. Trump
A miniature photo holder for a gravestone that reflects the image onto a mirror. “A miniature or likeness of the deceased which may be kept secure from the action of the weather … said miniature being attached to the cover of the case in such way that by opening the cover the likeness may be viewed by reflection in the mirror.” Patented by William Boyd
An “indicating-ventilator” that can be attached to a coffin and provide “an egress or outlet for the foul gases or effluvia within the said coffins.” Patented by Alfred E. Lyman
A liquid coffin, or corpse preserver, where some hardening compound is “poured around the body in a suitable mould, which, drying and hardening, effectually preserves the body, and at the same time serves the purpose of a coffin or sarcophagus.” Patented by Colin St. Clair
A coffin that opens from all sides that “will not inclose or ‘box up’ the corpse. “The corpse will then appear as lying on a sort of ornamental couch, producing thereby an effect far less gloomy and depressing.” Patented by J. Owen Moore
A corpse preserver consisting of “a case with a perforated lining, and with a space between the outer case and the lining, and otherwise so constructed that the corpse may be exposed to any disinfecting agent that may be employed.” Patented by John F. and Edward G. Waters
A glass casket. “Our invention pertains to an improved construction of glass caskets; and consists in providing the sides with clasps and rims or flanges whereby they are conveniently and securely locked together.” Patented by John N. and Theodore Wallis
“The design for a monument, in which the tablets and pedestal are curved, in connection with and surmounted by arches resting on ornamental trusses.” Patented by James Sharkey
An “improved receptacle for the dead,” an above ground coffin or tomb with a viewing window “allowing the features of the dead to be viewed whenever desired.” Patented by Leland M. Speers and Abraham Clark
Secure case for coffins that prevents “removing the corpse therefrom within the time necessary for body-stealers to perform their work.” Patented by Andrew Van Bibber
A belt to hold the corpse so the body doesn’t slip to one end of the coffin when it’s being moved. As a bonus, it will “frustrate the efforts of the persons who … attempt to remove the remains from the grave.” Patented by James Shannon
A way to lower coffins where the attendants aren’t seen by the mourners, “and thereby the ceremony made more solemn and less distasteful.” Patented by Jacob Weidenmann
A casket with raised ornaments on the top, ends, and sides “as to produce a handsome finish and give a pleasing effect to the eye.” Patented by Scipio E. Baker
“The method of producing scenery and ornaments with hair, which consists, first, in destroying its vitality, or phosphorus of lime, and cleansing the hair, then drawing the design upon glass or transparent material, then placing the dried hair on gossamer tissue or gold-beater tissue, then cementing the tissue at its edges to the glass, then spreading the hair, then combing the same, and, after pressing and drying it, cutting it into desired forms, substantially as specified.” Invented by Alford E. Jarvis
“The object of my invention is to provide a means whereby the supposed cadaver (buried before life is extinct) on regaining animation may sound an alarm through the annunciator located at the superintendent’s office or other suitable place, by which a signal of life may be imparted and also immediate rescue rendered to the recuperating body by means of fresh air until the said body is disinterred and medical aid summoned.” Patented by William H. White
cemetery obsessed, dog mom, author, amateur at a lot of things. all photos and words are mine unless otherwise stated. if you’re going to download my photos from my website or social media pages, please be nice and credit me or link back to the original post.
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