See for example:
Habenstein, Robert Wesley: The history of American funeral directing. (reprinted 2010).
ISBN 10: 0960744606 ISBN 13: 9780960744602
For metal caskets usually a crank. With old style wooden caskets, the lid often has to be unscrewed.
Italian was the leading style of opera in Europe until the mid 1800s.
Only those caskets are air (and water) tight which are "sealer" caskets, meaning that they are provided with a rubber like sealing gasket between the lid and the base of the caskets. Usually only metal caskets can be sealer caskets.
Metal caskets are available in carbon steel, copper, bronze, and stainless steel. Carbon steel caskets are available in different gauges, ranging from 20 gauge (the thinnest) to 16 gauge (the thickest)
"Glass sealer" caskets (protective caskets with an inner glass lid) are an older type of "sealer caskets" (caskets providing an air and watertight seal). Later (for example in the Gulf War) the remains of soldiers were shipped back in glassless "gasket sealer" caskets.
One can find caskets for sale at mortuaries and funeral supply stores, for example Costco. Caskets are also for sale at Sears, Walmart, and Caskets By Design.
Piano
Only those caskets are air (and water) tight which are "sealer" caskets, meaning that they are provided with a rubber like sealing gasket between the lid and the base of the caskets. Usually only metal caskets can be sealer caskets.
There are several types of caskets available for purchase, including metal caskets, wood caskets, and eco-friendly caskets made from materials like bamboo or wicker. Each type of casket comes in various styles and designs to suit different preferences and budgets.
This site may be able to help you with your questions, see related links below.
Romantic, in the second half of the 1800s.
Usually yes - as long as one compares caskets of similar design, similar thickness of wood and similar interiors.