01 Why choose Skullduggery?
Over twenty years of quality!! Since 1978, Skullduggery has
produced and distributed museum quality fossil replicas to museums and natural
history enthusiasts throughout the world. The majority of replicas manufactured
by Skullduggery are molded from original fossil material housed at major museums
throughout the country. From the original specimen we create a detailed mold and then hand
cast a full-size replica. Our proprietary molding and casting process duplicates
the intricate details of the original with remarkable accuracy; the sutures,
muscle origins and fine cranial pitting is clearly visible. Educational booklets
are provided for most of our replicas!!
02 Who buys Skullduggery products?
Everyone!! Skullduggery products are proudly displayed in many executive offices
and homes. Skullduggery fossil replicas are used for study in major colleges and
universities, displayed in museums throughout the world, and collected by people
with a love of natural history. Fossils tell us about our planet’s history.
Skullduggery replicas are collected by paleontologists, artists, doctors,
celebrities, dentists and those with an appreciation for the Earth’s past.
Whether used for study or display, Skullduggery replicas are world renown for
being the best available.
03 What makes Skullduggery replicas look so real?
Once we secure a specimen, we make a full-size, detailed mold of the piece. We
then produce museum quality, durable casts made of PerfectCast™ that
accurately depict the look and feel of the original fossil. Each cast is hand
detailed and hand finished to create the most authentic fossil replica possible.
Our proprietary molding and casting processes duplicate the intricate details of
the original fossil with incredible precision. All of the sutures, muscle
origins and fine cranial pitting are clearly visible. With Skullduggery museum
quality replicas you get the quality of original fossil material combined with
the affordability of replicas.
04 Why are some replicas offered with a choice of finishes?
The color of various fossils is determined by the original sediment in which the
fossil was found. During the fossilization process an object absorbs the various
minerals which are contained in the dirt surrounding it. Most Skullduggery
replicas are finished with a color which is very close to the original's color.
Fossil skulls which were found in the La Brea Tar Pit are the
only replicas which come in two choices of finish. These skulls are of the Saber
Tooth Tiger, American Lion and the Dire Wolf. The originals of these skulls took
on the color of dark tar. The teeth are slightly discolored and contrast
dramatically with the surrounding bone. This treatment gives the fossil the
appearance of have been recovered from the Tar Pits (Tar Pit Finish). Because
these skulls have also been found in sediment that was not tar, they are
available in a lighter finish (antique). Our customers have a choice as to which
finish they prefer. The tar pit finish provides a dramatic feeling while the
antique creates a more subdued aura. The choice is yours!
05 Which replicas have display stands included in the price?
Can I buy stands for other replicas?
The Skullduggery display stands provide almost invisible support. They are
designed to display your Skullduggery replica safely and securely. Custom fitted
to each skull, stands are included with all cats and are optional with other
fossil replicas.
Wood and Acrylic Stand
The stands which are available for most Skullduggery skull replicas are made of
a finely finished oak base with an acrylic post for display. Also included is an
attractive brass identification plaque.
Acrylic Stand
Attractive acrylic stands are available for most of the
smaller fossil replicas. Each stand is made specifically for the fossil that it
supports and is etched with the name of the specific fossil.
06 Does Skullduggery sell original fossils?
It is our long standing policy that we never sell original fossil material.
Professionals and well trained amateurs can learn a great deal from studying
fossils and the sites from which they are found. Unfortunately the selling of
real fossil material to the highest bidders has created an atmosphere for the
destruction of valuable scientific data. Many untrained fossil hunters, who hunt
for profit, risk the destruction of an important discovery in order to find
valuable fossils to be sold on the open market. Once the fossils are sold to individual collectors they are out of
reach and view of the general public. They are no longer available for exhibit
in museums. With Skullduggery Fossil Replicas, a collector can own a fossil
replica that is identical to the original. The originals we replicate are safely
housed in museums throughout the world. They are available to be seen and
studied by everyone who visits those museums!
07 How long has Skullduggery been in business?
Established in 1978, Skullduggery has manufactured and distributed fossil
replicas to many museums around the world. Throughout the past decade and a
half, there has been a huge increase in fossil interest from the general public.
Skullduggery makes it possible for everyone to own these museum quality
replicas.
10 How quickly can I get my order?
At Skullduggery, we pride ourselves in getting your order to you as quickly as
possible. Most orders will be shipped within a couple of days from your order
date. We accept Master Card and VISA via the internet and over the phone; and personal checks and
money orders through the mail. If your order is placed with a Master Card, VISA
or money order, we will, except in the case of custom orders or out of stock
items, ship with in the next three business days. If your order is paid with a
personal check, then an automatic 10 day hold will be put on your order. After
the 10 days are up, your order will most likely ship with in the next three
business days.
11
How can I get new instructions to classroom and other kits? Go to the downloads page and select the missing
instructions. There are instructions for classroom kits, Eyewitness kits and
MuseumWorks kits. In order to read the downloaded instructions, you must have a
copy of Acrobat which can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com.
Once loaded in your PC, the instructions can be printed.
12 What are classroom kits?
For over 18 years
Skullduggery has produced museum quality fossil replicas for
natural history enthusiasts all over the world. Many of our
products are sold to educators at primary, secondary and college
levels for use in the classroom. Skullduggery has developed
"hands on" science kits designed specifically for direct
student participation!
While introducing the students to
paleontology and prehistoric life, these "hands on"
materials will encourage the use of deductive reasoning, manual
dexterity, group interaction and individual creativity. Each kit
has been extensively researched and tested in actual classroom
conditions by teachers and students. Lesson plans and exercises
have been refined to ensure the ultimate in student discovery and
enjoyment. You can expect the usual unparalleled Skullduggery
quality from each of these exciting new teaching aides.