The evolution of Skulls Unlimited started when, at age seven, I found a dog skull in the woods near my home. When my father saw my interest, he encouraged me to find and collect other skulls, thus making it a life-long hobby. After graduating high school, I collected and sold skulls in my spare time while working as an auto body technician. As sales grew, my wife Kim and I began to clean skulls in our kitchen. Starting with a one-page price list, in 1986, we turned this unusual hobby into a business.

Four years later, Skulls Unlimited evolved from this small home-based business into a successful retail & mail-order company. Then in 1992, fueled by local and World Wide enthusiasm, we became Skulls Unlimited International, Inc.

Currently, we've earned a reputation with some of the most prestigious museums & educational facilities in the world for having the best quality, most professional services, and the largest variety of natural bone specimens found all over the world.

Many of you have requested species that are not available in natural bone. In order to accommodate your needs, as well as our continuing efforts to protect the environment, you will find more than 200 replica skulls & skeletons of rare or endangered species throughout the catalog. All natural bone specimens are legally and ethically obtained. Suppliers World Wide send skulls that would otherwise be discarded or destroyed, as they are collected.

We do not condone and will not support poaching of animals, nor do we approve of destroying an animal solely for the purpose of gaining an Osteological item. Our suppliers and their sources obtain Osteological material from natural & predator deaths, road kills, food source by-products in exotic regions, legal hunting & trapping operations, and from attrition in zoological gardens. You can be assured of and take comfort in knowing that your purchase conserve treasures and promote the ethical utilization of limited resources.

As for the future, Skulls Unlimited continues to grow. Construction has begun on our new museum and soon, The Museum of Osteology will be open to the public. This museum will allow Skulls Unlimited to show case the thousands of skull and skeletal specimens we have acquired over the years. The goal of this museum will be to serve as an educational experience, with the hopes that through education, an appreciation of the natural world will ultimately lead to conservation for the future.

PRODUCTS

Skulls Unlimited currently warehouses over 500 varieties of Osteological Specimens from around the world.  Skulls from North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia are usually available.  Please note however, that skulls in our catalog may be in limited quantity and may not always be available.  WE ENCOURAGE PHONE AND WEB ORDERS ON ALL OF YOUR SKULL REQUESTS.  1-800-659-SKULL or 1-405-794-9300 Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CST) Or You can Fax us at: 1-405-794-6985 24 hours a day.

DENTAL FORMULA:
For you convenience the following information is provided for each skull listed in the catalog.

All mammals have teeth with the exception of monotremes, anteaters and certain whales. Four types of teeth are found in mammals.  Each type of tooth is adapted to perform specific functions.

The most important characteristic used in the identification of mammals is the dentition or teeth.  Animal lifestyles can be revealed more by examining their teeth, than by perhaps any other single physical characteristic.  For example, the diet and method of feeding of large carnivores is indicated by their large slicing canines.   In contrast, the beaver has no canines, but instead has extremely large specialized incisors for gnawing.

A mammal's dental formula designates the number of each type of tooth found in its dentition.   The numbers in the dental formula represent the number of teeth in each half of the upper and lower jaws. 

Dental formulas are represented as follows:

upper jaw

lower jaw

For example, the dental formula for a human is:

Tooth count differs from animal to animal, so in many cases this counting method is used in identifying genus and species. Dental formulas are further discussed in many mammal books available from Skulls Unlimited.

AVERAGE SKULL LENGTH:
This measurement indicates the greatest length of the skull.  The average skull length is determined by measuring for the most anterior tip of the skull or teeth to the most posterior part of the skull (usually the occipital crest or the occipital condyles). This measurement may vary from the actual skull specimen you receive because it is only an average measurement.

ORIGIN:
The origin indicates the animal's present geographical distribution in the world.

DIET:
The diet information indicates the type of diet the animal eats in the world.

INSECTIVORE: animals that eat insects exclusively
(bats, moles and shrews).
HERBIVORE: animals that eat primarily plants
(beavers, rabbits and deer).
CARNIVORE: animals that are meat-eaters
(dogs, cats, mongoose and lion).
OMNIVORE: animals that eat plants and animals
(black bears, raccoons and badgers).

QUALITY CHART:
Natural bone and replica skulls are classified into pricing categories based upon condition and intended usage.

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.

Economy Quality Replica
Economy quality replicas, as their name suggests, are an economic substitute to museum or teaching quality replicas. These specimens replicate all major anatomical features, but generally do not include small cranial details or characteristics.

Natural Bone "A" Quality
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 include all teeth and 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.

Natural Bone "B" Quality
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.

*Note:  Due to normal collecting procedures most large game (such as bison, kudu, impala, longhorns, etc.) are not available with lower jaws.  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.

SERVICES

SPECIAL SERVICES:
Skulls Unlimited offers many special services including special Order Requests, Gift Certificates, Custom Cleaning Services and Institutional Purchase Orders.

GIFT CONSULTATION:
Allow us to help you with your gift selection.  By asking a few questions about the recipient, we can offer realistic suggestions to fit any budget.

SPECIAL ORDERS:
Skulls Unlimited has access to skulls not necessarily listed in the catalog.  If you have an interest in an unusual specimen, please feel free to call.

CUSTOM CLEANING SERVICE:
Available for those who have a special need of our services for their own specimens.   If you have a specimen you would like to have cleaned, call, and we'll be happy to send you a copy of our skull cleaning catalog. This Catalog instructs as to the best way to package and ship your skulls. You can also visit http://www.skullcleaning.com for more information.

GIFT CERTIFICATES:
Available for any amount over $25.00 and can be sent along with a complimentary catalog and a card with your desired message.

PURCHASE ORDERS:
Purchase orders are gladly accepted from bona fide educational institutions within the United States and Canada. Our terms are Net 30 days from date of invoice for any amount over $25.00.

GUARANTEE:
We are so confident of our quality that we offer a 10-day return guarantee.   Quality is our first priority!

ORDERING INFORMATION
Telephone orders and customer service hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.  We encourage telephone orders for immediate service and to verify availability of your specimen.  CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300. Also you may use our On-line Shopping Cart, and a reply will be sent via email quickly.

SHOWROOM:
The Skulls Unlimited showroom is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are located at: 10313 South Sunnylane Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73160.

PRICES:
Because of the constant fluctuation of costs of materials, prices are subject to change without notice.

SHIPPING ADDRESS:
We ship via FedEx whenever possible, so please be sure that you include your proper street address (No PO Boxes) and your correct zip code.  Please keep us informed of address changes so that you can receive future catalogs and information.

SALES TAX:
Oklahoma residents please include current sales tax with your order, unless tax exempt.

PAYMENT:
We accept checks, money orders, Master Card, VISA, American Express, Discover and Paypal. For Canadian orders and other foreign orders, credit cards are most convenient, however checks and money orders must be drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars. Personal checks will delay shipping 10 days to allow checks to clear. Sorry we cannot ship C.O.D.

SHIPPING:
Orders are normally shipped within 5 working days.  We will not hold up your order for an out of stock item, unless we expect it within a few days.  Beyond that point we will notify you of any delays.  We ship FedEx ground service (no more than 5 delivery days in the U.S.).  Next-Day, Second-Day or Three-Day delivery is available for rush orders at an additional shipping cost.

PACKAGING:
All skulls are in individually labeled boxes or bags for easy identification, shipping and storage.

BACK-ORDERS:
Since these are natural bone specimens and no animals are destroyed for our purposes, occasionally even common specimens will be back-ordered.  These orders are normally filled within a reasonable amount of time.  You will be notified of delays over 30 days.

PLEASE NOTE:
All items offered by Skulls Unlimited are legally obtained by-products and can legally be sold according to the laws of the State of Oklahoma.  We assume when you order an item from us that you can legally possess the item(s) according to the laws of your state or country.  Please note, if you order an item(s) from us that you cannot possess according to the laws of your state or country, Skulls Unlimited accepts no responsibility for this act and will hold you responsible for any penalties and legal fees incurred by Skulls Unlimited. Please be aware of your local laws before purchasing specimens that you may be in doubt of.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES:
This covers the cost of processing, packing and shipping your order by Fedex ground serves and guaranteed delivery.  The table below to determine the appropriate amount:

RUSH ORDERS:
Next-Day, Second-Day and Three-Day shipping is available at an additional $10.00 above normal air shipping charges.  Orders must be received before 10:30 a.m. CST to be shipped the same day.  Shipments other than the Continental United States will be shipped the most cost efficient way.

RECYCLING:
Skulls Unlimited is a true believer in protecting the environment and its natural resources. Our hope is that you will in turn use our boxes and materials for your shipping needs. By continuing the "cycle" we are all preserving the future. If you have any comments regarding our recycling efforts please do not hesitate to contact us.

RETURN POLICY:
We guarantee our products to be true to the description and quality presented in this catalog. Do not return merchandise without first contacting us. We will either exchange the item or issue a credit to your account or a complete refund, less shipping charges. Please enclose your invoice with your returned merchandise. Merchandise returned after 10 days will be charged a 20% restocking fee and orders returned after 30 days will not be accepted. Merchandise returned C.O.D. will not be accepted.
Our return policy is extended during the Christmas season to 10 days after Christmas without penalty.

FAX:
If you wish, you may fax your order to 405-794-6985.   This is a 24 hour dedicated line.  When faxing please use the order form or a bonafide purchase order.  Please mark mailed orders that have been previously faxed to us to prevent duplication.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Due to US Fish and Wildlife CITES regulation changes, a CITES form 3-200-26 is necessary for the export of the following species from the United States; Bobcat, Lynx, River Otter and Alaskan Gray Wolf. This form is issued from Washington D.C. and averages between 60 and 90 days to process. Skulls Unlimited has no control over this government policy change and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Skulls Unlimited applies for this form on behalf of our customers.

Some specimens throughout the catalog bare the symbol of the CITES convention. These items require export permits from the United States and in many cases an import permit from the country of destination. An additional $124.00 will be assessed to cover the cost of the permit. This charge is per order (not per item). Certain CITES animals require an application for export from Washington D.C,, and it may take 60 to 90 days to receive these documents. Certain CITES animals offered in this catalog are not available for export, due to stringent export requirements from the United States.

International orders are gladly accepted. There is no minimum order required for any Items that do not need U.S. Fish & Wildlife clearance. There are certain fees to be expected when we export your order. By United States law every fish and wildlife product must leave through a designated port for visual inspection. The closest designated port to Skulls Unlimited is Dallas, Texas. There will be a transportation fee assessed to you in order to get your shipment to Dallas, Texas for clearance, normally about $75.00. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has an inspection fee of $87.00 to clear your shipment. All parcels will also need a U.S. Dept of Agriculture Export certificate $45.00. Once the parcel is cleared by United States Fish & Wildlife service, the parcel would need to ship by a bonded freight forwarder. Estimated shipping charges can range from $150.00 up to $225.00.

Domestic animals such as dogs, cat, horses, cattle, bison, domestic ferret, chinchilla, etc., as well as all replica skulls, do not require any clearance and will be shipped without any fees.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For general sales and product information sales@skullsunlimited.com

To order a full catalog:  Click Here.

Our physical address is: 10313 South Sunnylane Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73160.

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"In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment."
-Charles Darwin

URL: http://www.skullsunlimited.com/about_skulls_unlimited.htm Last Updated: Monday June 29, 2009 Copyright © 1995-2009, Skulls Unlimited International, Inc.