Existing comment:
Victorian Funeral Processions:
Perhaps the most revealing artifact discovered during the archeological dig was an elaborate 1895 coffin handle made of Britannia silver and wood. By the 1890s, Victorian funerals were an event to display wealth and status. No expense was too great for a proper burial. The handles made this task easier and gave invited guests one final somber ornament to examine. The profession of undertaking became specialized in the late 19th century, and elements like ornate casket handles wre promoted to celebrate death.
The funeral procession for President Abraham Lincoln was quite elaborate and well attended. His walnut, lead-lined coffin had four silver handles and four shamrocks formed by silver tacks on each side. |