Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Life indicator for coffins patent, 1882 C024 / 3601

Life indicator for coffins patent, 1882 C024  /  3601


Photo Prints
Jigsaw Puzzles
Poster Prints
Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Metal Prints
Home Decor


We accept all major credit cards

Science Photo Library

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Life indicator for coffins patent, 1882 C024 / 3601

Life indicator for coffins patent, 1882. Artwork of a device designed by John Krichbaum to save a person accidentally buried alive. The person would rotate a set of handles connected to a periscope like device while a dial visible above the surface revealed the movement. A more forceful upwards push allowed air to enter the coffin. Such safety coffins were a common invention at the time owing to a fear of unintentional live burial. There are no known reports of such devices actually saving an accidentally buried person

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 10849644

© US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1882 Burial Buried Coffin Dead Design Designs Device Diagram Drawing Engineering Invention Machine Mechanical Patent Vintage


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable invention from 1882: the Life Indicator for Coffins patent. Designed by John Krichbaum, this device aimed to prevent the horrifying possibility of accidental live burials. The artwork depicts a mechanical contraption consisting of handles connected to a periscope-like apparatus, allowing the buried person to signal their presence above ground. The ingenious mechanism enabled individuals trapped inside coffins to rotate the handles, while an exposed dial revealed their movements. By exerting more force on the handles, air could enter the coffin, providing much-needed ventilation in dire circumstances. During that era, safety coffins were prevalent inventions due to widespread fears of unintentional live burial. Although numerous designs emerged during this time period, there are no documented cases where such devices successfully saved an accidentally buried person's life. Nevertheless, this historical artifact serves as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of technological advancements. As we gaze upon this vintage illustration with curiosity and awe, it reminds us of past anxieties surrounding premature burial and highlights how far we have come in ensuring proper procedures for determining death. This piece is not just an intriguing glimpse into 19th-century engineering but also serves as a poignant reminder of our collective determination to protect human life even under extraordinary circumstances.

MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.



redeem
Beautiful Photo Prints and Gifts
image
Professionally Printed
inventory
Photo Prints are in stock
thumb_up
Professional quality finish
diamond
Made with high-grade materials
inventory_2
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival



Related Images


Acme Moustache Guard
Acme Moustache Guard
The traditional weaponry of the Turkana warriors consisted
The traditional weaponry of the Turkana warriors consisted
Gas proof pram, 1938
Gas proof pram, 1938
Police Public Call Box, London
Police Public Call Box, London
Pale Blue Dot, Voyager 1
Pale Blue Dot, Voyager 1
Glorification of the Eucharist by Ventura Salimbeni 1600
Glorification of the Eucharist by Ventura Salimbeni 1600
Basil Shackleton, photographer and ESP subject
Basil Shackleton, photographer and ESP subject
Picture No. 11980863
Picture No. 11980863
Casts of victims of eruption of Vesuvius in AD79, Pompeii, Italy, c20th century
Casts of victims of eruption of Vesuvius in AD79, Pompeii, Italy, c20th century
Plate from Our Countrys Butterflies and Moths (chromolitho)
Plate from Our Countrys Butterflies and Moths (chromolitho)

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed