Eight Coffins in One Van
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BUILT to carry a maximum of eight 1-,coffins, the body of the "Handy" shown in an accompanying picture, was constructed by Henry Smith (Battersea). Ltd., 309, Battersea Park Road, London, S.W.11. The main feature of interest in the design, apart from the general excellence of the coachwork, is that accommodation for four bearers is provided immediately behind the driver's compartment.
The body is fitted with a double bier of the deck type, and only a few • minutes are needed to remove the bier and its supporting pillars to give an
unobstructed interior. Vehicle maintenance is assisted by the introduction of two trap doors in the floor, one of large area being arranged over the back axle, and another beneath the bearers' seats,
Aluminium panels are mounted on an ash framework, and both the driver's and bearers' compartments are provided with one-way-winding windows.
Henry Smith (Battersea). Lid., was the first funeral furnisher to operate a motor hearse—a chain-driven Daimler.