For your consideration is a Extremely Rare Portable Mortician's Embalming Cooling Rack Table from Tombstone, Arizona, circa 1895 to 1900. Provenance: Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, Tombstone, Arizona. After the Civil War it became popular for undertakers to come to the home of the deceased to ply their trade. Different types of portable tables were used depending on the actual job performed, from the actual embalming process to the tables used for viewing of the body. The cooling table would be set up over several large blocks of ice to preserve the body. This example was made by the National Casket Company, the brass label on the front is stamped July 2, 1895 and Nov. 12, 1895. It is made of walnut with the top of laminated wood, brass hardware. The table can be either set up flat or with the upper portion raised at several intervals with slotted supports. The wood legs fold inside the table when folded and there is a steel carrying handle. The exterior wood has perforated wording, "SPECIAL VENEER TOP AND BRASS TRIMINGS" on one side, and, "THE NATIONAL PATENT APPLIED FOR" on the other side. Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label attached, "PORTABLE UNDERTAKER'S TABLE From this area - Circa 1900 MS-78", (MS-78 is the museum code.) The table is in amazingly well preserved condition, rich patina throughout observed, brass hardware exhibits rich patina and oxidation. The folded measurements are 19.25"W x 36.25"L x 6"D, extended is 18"W x 72"L. Weight is 32lb, 10oz.