Rare early Victorian grave digger's template

A very rare and sought after Victorian grave digger’s wooden template. 

Salvaged from an 18th century premises that was used by a coffin maker’s and Undertakers. 

This frame was used by the grave diggers to mark out a specific plot in a graveyard to be dug in preparation for the coffin. 

Certainly not something that would have been considered to have any value, just a simple timber frame, but the fact it survived is remarkable. 

Simple in its construction of timber fixed together with nails. 

We haven’t ever seen another and would doubt there are many in existence. 

This will make for quite the wall display, certainly a must for a serious collector of the macabre. 

This rare piece was discovered along with various other related pieces including various Victorian and Edwardian coffin cooling boards, the coffin maker’s tool box and an antique cream cotton burial shroud. 

All these will be listed individually. Please message us for more information. 

The grave digger’s template has obvious signs of its age and the life it’s seen. 

Signs of old worm but nothing active, a small area where one board split (this was fixed during its life). 

Dimensions:-

191cm high

65.3cm wide

Due to its size we would prefer the buyer to collect, however if you would like a quote to send via specialist courier please contact us prior to purchase.

Collection by appointment only.