Closing

Opening and closing of caskets and coffins is more easily done by two people. To place top in "open" position, lift top (at ends) straight up and out of base, rotating it to a vertical position and sliding the slots cut into the top's stiffening cleats over the base's back edge.

 

When closing , lift top straight up and off back edge and rest the cleat on the back edge, then rotate to the horizontal easing the cleats into base, as the top rests on the top edges of the base. The top is fastened down by wooden peg-nails which have been pre-driven three quarters of their way. The final setting of the peg-nails in not difficult but should be done with care, using a hammer or mallet. View the illustration below for further clarification.

Location of the top to its original manufactured position is important to insure a smooth closing. Its original manufactured position is achieved by matching up the two serial numbers to the same corner. One number is on the bases' upper back end on the inside, and the other number is on the back outside face of the top's stiffening cleat.

 

 

Figure 1. End elevation showing top in open position.

Figure 2. End elevation showing top cleat resting on back edge.

Figure 3. End elevation showing top rotating to horizontal.