Abstract: An improved wedge bar locking mechanism for a burial casket requires only a bracket, a screw and a clip which cooperate with one end of a wedge bar to cause longitudinal movement of the wedge bar in two directions for locking end unlocking the lid of a casket to the body of the casket. The components of the mechanism are located in the body of the casket, adjacent an end wall. The bracket mounts rigidly to the body. The screw threads directly to the wedge bar, and the bracket and clip hold opposite ends of the screw to prevent axial and radial movement thereof so that rotational movement of the screw is converted to longitudinal movement of the wedge bar. The screw is accessible for rotation via a keyway in the end wall. A center wall of the bracket engages the end of the wedge bar to prevent rotational movement thereof when the screw is rotated. The bracket also includes integral tabs which serve as over-travel stops for both the locked and unlocked positions of the wedge bar.