Abstract: A brace for rigidly locking a casket cap in its open position to positively preclude movement of the cap about its pivotal connection with the casket body in either direction. The brace includes an elongated member pivotally mounted in a support bracket carried by the casket body and transversely displaced from the hinge for the casket cap. This elongated member then extends generally upward through an elongated slot in the casket cap which telescopes outwardly over the member as the cap is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. When the cap reaches the open position, cooperating locking means on the cap and the end of the elongated member engage to lock the cap in the open position. The locking means precludes further pivotal movement of the cap in either direction until the locking means is released. Resilient biasing means maintain the locking engagement and facilitate its release.