What material covered the Style E state Coffin designed for U.S. Grant?

The Style E state coffin designed for U.S. Grant was notably made of cloth, specifically richly upholstered fabric. This design choice reflected both the historical context and the associated grandeur of the burial for a prominent figure such as Grant, who was the 18th President of the United States and a commanding general during the Civil War.

Using cloth for a high-profile figure's coffin not only served aesthetic purposes, providing an elegant and dignified appearance suitable for state funerals, but also carried symbolic significance. It signified respect and honor for the deceased. The choice of material can be seen as a reflection of period practices relating to funerary customs for nobility and public figures, where luxurious fabrics were standard.

In contrast, while wood is commonly used for coffins, especially in traditional burials, and metal is often favored for durability in modern times, these materials were not the focus for Grant's specific state coffin design. Cloth, therefore, stands out as the correct answer in this context, aligning with the historical and ceremonial significance of Grant's burial. Plastic does not fit within traditional funeral practices and was not utilized in historical coffins of this nature.