BRIEF
HISTORY
Originally,
the wooden or metal framework over the coffin was called a hearse. It was
decorated with numerous spikes to hold burning candles. Sometime in the 17th
century, people started using the word to refer to not only the construction
above the coffin, but to the vehicle that carried the casket to the grave.
Early
hearses were hand-drawn. As time went on, families started to choose rural
cemeteries instead of traditional church grounds. Caskets had to be transported
greater distances. People wanted to go out in style and ordered elaborately
decorated coffins in exotic woods. The hearses became fancier and heavier. They
needed horsepower, not manpower. The first American horse-drawn hearses date
back to the mid nineteenth century. A typical horse-drawn hearse of that period
cost about $1,500.
WOOD & METAL MODEL KIT
FEATURES
•
Historically accurate, highly detailed model
• Laser cut basswood parts
•
Basswood wheel rims & spokes
•
Cast Britannia metal axles & shafts
•
Machine turned aluminum wheel hubs
•
Photo-etched brass ornamentation
•
5 sheets of detailed plans
•
48-page illustrated instruction manual
MODEL KIT SPECIFICATIONS
Length:
13” Height: 8” Width: 5” Scale: 1:12
