fisk metallic burial cases were patented in 1848 by almond dunbar fisk and manufactured in providence, rhode island. the cast iron coffins or burial cases were popular in the mid–1800s among wealthier families. while pine coffins in the 1850s would have cost around $2, a fisk coffin could command a price upwards of $100. nonetheless, the metallic coffins were highly desirable by more affluent individuals and families for their potential to deter grave robbers.