Understanding Skull Qualities
Natural bone and replica skulls are classified into pricing categories based upon condition and the intended usage.
So, you’re probably thinking, “Why should I buy from Skulls Unlimited?” Sure, you may be able to find natural bone skulls for less elsewhere. But, you know the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” Less $$$ also means less quality.
Skulls Unlimited International is the grandfather of commercial skull cleaning and processing. Our tried and tested cleaning methods are the result of more than 30 years of trial and research; developing the best methods for cleaning and preserving skulls and skeletons. Our process is the reason Skulls Unlimited’s natural bone products stand out among the other garage dealers on the internet. With our A quality products, you never have to worry about missing or cracked dentition, flaking or poor bone quality, or rank smelling oils leaching from the bone. This is why quality matters!
We are so sure you will love our product, that we are willing to offer you a 100% guarantee on all our “A” quality natural bone products. If you are unhappy, in any way, with our product, simply return the item and we will replace it at no cost to you.
Museum Quality Replica
Museum quality replicas represent the finest skull recreations possible. In a tedious molding, casting and finishing process, every detail of the original real bone specimen is expertly captured and recreated including the bone texture, color and all anatomical features such as foramina and nasal concha. These replicas are so convincing that they are often mistaken for real skulls. Museum quality replicas are suitable for display, hands-on education, and classroom teaching.
Teaching Quality Replica
Teaching Quality replicas are a wonderful substitute to using real skulls in your hands-on learning programs. These excellently crafted replicas are also an economical alternative to our Museum Quality replicas. While these specimens replicate all major anatomical features, small details such as foramina and nasal concha may not be present or accurate.
Natural Bone Quality A
These skulls are our most highly desired specimens. Each skull is anatomically complete and able to meet our strictest criteria in bone quality. "A" Quality specimens are as near to perfect as nature allows. Please remember that these are the actual skulls and may have minor, natural imperfections as found in all living species.
*Note: Due to normal collecting procedures most large game (such as bison, kudu, impala, longhorns, etc.) are not available with lower jaws and may be missing a few teeth. These skulls are normally intended for decoration so therefore are not discounted because of these flaws.
Occasionally large predator skulls (such as Wolverine, Badger, Wolf) show the natural wear, chips or cracks known as "species specific wear characteristics." Skulls with these characteristics may still be considered first quality specimens.
Natural Bone Quality B
Natural bone "B" Quality specimens are excellent teaching aids. Suitable for hands-on education and display, these specimens may have minor imperfections, such as chipped or missing teeth, fractures or other minor damage. In addition, "B" Quality skulls may be undamaged sub-adult specimens. If you have a particular need, please feel free to call us with your request regarding second quality specimens.
Natural Bone Economy
Natural Bone Economy quality specimens are less than perfect and similar to our "C" Quality. These skulls may be missing some teeth or have slight imperfections. Perfect for the classroom or craft project. These skulls are priced to sell. Specimens will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and at our discretion. Please inquire prior to purchasing if you have questions.
Natural Bone
Natural Bone specimens are actual, real bones. These specimens have been cleaned and prepared at the Skulls Unlimited facility with the use of dermestid beetles and a chemical process.
Research Quality Natural Bone
Skulls Unlimited is proud to offer Research Quality Natural Bone Human Skulls. Every specimen is meticulously prepared in our laboratories with great care and dignity. This attention to detail results in the highest quality human skulls available for medical research and educational needs. Each specimen, if requested, is provided with known age, gender, and race.
Recreation
Recreations are cast from hand sculpted originals. This process is used when the original specimen, often a one-of-a-kind fossil, is unavailable for casting. Every effort is taken to artistically capture all the detail of the original specimen. Recreations are suitable for display, hands-on education, and classroom teaching.