Patent Model - Improvement in Copings and Coverings for Graves
Maker and role
Charles Bassett, Patentee
Production date
Aug 20 1878
See full details
Object detail
Media/Materials
Wood
Measurements
2 1/2 x 7 x 2 1/2" (6.4 x 17.8 x 6.4cm)
Description
Bassett's patent "consists of a durable inclosure of special construction, adapted to be placed around and partially to cover the mound of a grave, and provided with a water-retaining channel adapted to hold flower pots."
His reasoning is that "the small mounds of earth indicating a grave are usually covered with grass, and by reason of their form are not well protected against being defaced or more or less broken away at their top and sides by the feet of pedestrians, or of being washed away by rains or broken by frosts, thaws &c; nor are they well adapted to properly support plants or flower-pots which bereaved friends are apt to place upon them, and their usually sloping sides shed the rain too freely to give proper moisture to the roots of such flowers and plants." (Patent Number 207,155)
His reasoning is that "the small mounds of earth indicating a grave are usually covered with grass, and by reason of their form are not well protected against being defaced or more or less broken away at their top and sides by the feet of pedestrians, or of being washed away by rains or broken by frosts, thaws &c; nor are they well adapted to properly support plants or flower-pots which bereaved friends are apt to place upon them, and their usually sloping sides shed the rain too freely to give proper moisture to the roots of such flowers and plants." (Patent Number 207,155)
Collection
Object number
2015.14.2674a,b
Currently on display?
Maker
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.