Artificial Bones
Years before plastic or plaster skeletons were created, some people decided to save money by creating skeletons out of paper mache. These replicas were often modeled after real skeletons in museums and doctor’s offices. These fake skeletons were sometimes made by the same bone experts who were busy cleaning real bones, and they were sold for half price. While doctors would not want to purchase a fake skeleton, these paper mache skulls were known to be used in meetings for a secret fraternity called The Oddfellows and the Freemasons. They held these “skulls” up to new recruits as a reminder of their mortality. Of course, this would spook them, but thankfully, they were not created from a real human head.
In the late 1800’s, these fake skeletons were sold anywhere from $75 to $150. While it was still very expensive, people could buy a replica of a “first class” quality skeleton for less than half the price. Unfortunately, this backfired for at least one customer. In New York City, a man was traveling on the train with a large suitcase that was filled with the paper mache bones. The suitcase accidently popped open, and all of the bones spilled out onto the floor of the train. They were so realistic, everyone thought they were actual human bones. When the main failed to produce a medical license or reason for him to own the bones, they thought he had committed a murder, and they arrested him, until they could clear up the misunderstanding.