Bone Clones, Inc. Company Info

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About Bone Clones®
Acknowledgements
Choosing an Original Specimen
Collections
Customer Satisfaction Policies: Return, Repair, and Replacement
Delivery Information - Domestic
Delivery Information - International
Legal
Museum Exhibitions
Ordering Information
Our Mission
Privacy Statement
Refund Policy
Testimonials


ABOUT BONE CLONES INC.

Much has happened in the world of replicating skulls and skeletons since Bone Clones® began in 1993, but the one thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to accuracy and quality. In our first year of business we coined the phrase "virtually indistinguishable from the original" and it remains our motto.

When we started "cloning from real to resin," many wondered whether replicas would be accepted because they would not look "real." They commented that the few zoological replicas available were not convincing and broke easily. That became our first challenge: to make a reproduction so faithful to the original that it was, in fact, difficult to distinguish between them. At the same time, the reproduction must be durable.

Many years later we are pleased that Bone Clones® (the brand) has become so well accepted that our replicas are used regularly in a variety of educational disciplines from anthropology to zoology. We are often told that educators now prefer, for a variety of reasons, to use replicas over natural bone and that Bone Clones® (if we may boast for a moment) were the catalyst for that change. When looking to purchase the best quality and detail in a cast of a human or animal skull or skeleton, whether extant or extinct, make sure it is a Bone Clones® cast.

Each year Bone Clones, Inc. has explored new territory. In the beginning we reproduced primarily animal skulls, our very first being a Gorilla skull (BC-001). After the success of our initial launchings, our customers began to ask for specific replicas they would like to see us do. Since then, we have been going where our customers have directed us to go. From the history of man in the fossil record, to evidence of trauma and pathology imbedded in the bones of modern man, from the extant to the extinct in the animal world, from the obvious to the obscure in nature - we continue to explore ways to present the information left on the bones in such accurate detail that significant knowledge can be gained from it.

All products are hand crafted by a skilled crew in our facilities in Southern California. Using proprietary techniques for prepping and making a mold of the original material and custom- formulated polyurethane resin, we cast the finest replicas available. The final step of coloring the piece to replicate that of the original is done by our expertly trained painters. Then, of course, it proceeds to our quality control department, where each cast is inspected in the minutest detail.

We wish to thank the many individuals and institutions that lend Bone Clones, Inc. original material to cast, and our customers who encourage us to press forward and who are not shy in telling us in what direction. As always, we wish to thank our staff, who demonstrates uncommon dedication in the pursuit of excellence.


OUR MISSION

Since our inception, our mission has been to produce skulls and skeletons that are "virtually indistinguishable from the original."TM Replicating the minute anatomical details and capturing the gross structures as faithfully as possible have been the goals of Bone Clones, Inc. from the beginning. As we expanded our product line from animals to fossils and humans, we continued to apply these criteria to each piece that we cast.

Quality is an essential component of Bone Clones®, and we have many procedures in place to assure that we maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves and that customers expect.

This commitment to quality is coupled with our interest in responding to the needs of educators striving to provide quality education to their students. Bone Clones, Inc. shares with these professionals the desire to impart knowledge on the highest level possible and has concentrated its resources on developing outstanding osteological reproductions of human, fossil and animal skeletal structures.

We routinely consult with experts involved in teaching Anatomy, Anthropology, Forensics, Paleontology and Zoology. We have developed proprietary processes, refined our production procedures, used the best originals available, inspect our product carefully, and still continually strive to bring you the very best in all that we do.

Bone Clones® is a trademark of Bone Clones, Inc. Our trademark is a guarantee that a great deal of care and thought has gone into the development and production of each cast.

Bone Clones® stands for our commitment to excellence.


Choosing an Original Specimen

The importance of the original....

We thought we would talk a little about how we select specimens to cast because aside from the quality of the casting technique, the quality of the original determines the final outcome.

To find a good quality original, we assess various characteristics like size, dentition, age, and general condition of the bone elements of the skull (or skeleton). We often search for years to find an original that meets our exacting standards, and are often aided by Museum collections as well as private collectors. This way we can bring you the best representation of any particular species.

After locating an original that meets our criteria for casting, we apply our unique techniques to preparing it for the molding process, a step that is also very important in determining the appearance and scientific accuracy of the reproduction. How the nasal passages, for example, and other fine features are replicated depends on this time-consuming and meticulous prepping procedure. Once prepped, a mold (or impression) is made of the original.

Our custom formulated resin is then poured into these molds and once the piece has solidified, it is an exact copy of the original. Next we finish each replica duplicating the subtle structures and scientific detail of natural and fossilized bone. In the final steps we reproduce the complex patterns and colors of the originals.

Superior quality is built into Bone Clones® in the very first step of the process - the selection of the original material. We then proceed with care and skill to achieve the best possible replicas, with attention to subtle details of appearance, texture and weight.


Collections

Fossil Hominids: a collection of recreations that represent the most important finds and time periods of hominid evolution, including Australopithecus afarensis (skull and skeleton), Australopithecus africanus, Australopithecus boisei, Homo ergaster (skull and skeleton), Homo erectus, and Homo neanderthalensis (skull and skeleton), among others. We also offer a web-based reference tool (Rotational Series) for our hominid series.

Human Anatomy: a large selection of human skulls and skeletons ranging from pre-natal to elderly, including sex and ancestry differences. Bone Clones® offers the world's only fetal osteology reference set to span the intrauterine growth period from 13 weeks to full term. Available also are several skulls designed to teach more advanced anatomy. These include calvarium cut, numbered calvarium cut, sagittal cut, disarticulated and color-coded skulls. A consultant osteologist has evaluated our product and has prepared an analysis report for many of the skulls and other skeletal elements, which indicates the measures that went into the determination of age, sex and ancestry of the specimen.

Forensic Science: a collection of rare specimens, carefully selected by experts in forensic science. Our collection has been greatly enhanced by licenses to cast from originals in both the San Diego Museum of Man and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology's Laboratory of Human Osteology, at the University of New Mexico, which serves as a repository of human remains. Our collection includes skeletal elements affected by trauma (e.g., blunt, sharp, firearms injuries) or pathology (e.g., arthritis, scoliosis, scaphocephaly).

Extinct Animals: a fascinating array of skulls and skeletons that includes sabertooth cats, the cave bear, the short-faced bear, the elephant bird, the mammoth, the sarcosuchus, thoosuchus, and the dire wolf.

Extant Animals: an impressive collection of skulls, skeletons, talons, horns, and teeth of animals including great apes, lesser primates, modern cats, bears, dogs, sharks, reptiles, amphibians, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, marine mammals and other small mammals.



Museum Exhibitions

Bone Clones, Inc. has been in the forefront of the progress made in the casting of skulls, and skeletons and other natural history material. The appearance and detail is so realistic, the material so durable, and the selection so extensive and varied that museum directors around the world are conceiving displays that would not have been entertained a decade ago. Bone Clones® are playing a significant role in museum exhibits and becoming a part of the modern collections of these museums. For example:

Natural History Museum of Denmark: In a permanent display titled "Evolution," The history of human evolution is illustrated with our skeletons including the Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Australopithecus afarensis ("Lucy"), Homo ergaster ("Nariokotome Boy"), Adult Male and Female Human, and Child Skeleton. www.zoologi.snm.ku.dk/english

The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada: A special exhibition dedicated to Darwin displays many of our hominid skulls and our cast of Sarcosuchus, also called the "Super Croc." www.tyrrellmuseum.com/exhibits/discoveries_hall.htm

The University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum: An exhibit titled "The Art of the Model Maker" provides a fascinating history of the specialized artistry that replicates biological and anatomical forms. As examples of "the very best of these contemporary models," several of our fossil cat skulls and our komodo dragon skull were featured. www.abdn.ac.uk/zoologymuseum/exhibitions/model.php

San Diego Museum of Man: An exhibit titled "Footsteps through Time: Four Million Years of Human Evolution" displays many of our casts. www.museumofman.org

The Cimmarusti Science Center at Glendale Community College: We worked collaboratively with the College to design an exhibit titled "The Hidden Structures of Life." The exhibit used several of our skulls and skeletons to teach young students about the lifestyles of extinct and extant animals.



Testimonials

Dr. Gilles Cuny
The Natural History Museum of Denmark

"Very nice casts and I am really happy with them. You are going to make a real difference in my teaching."

Donna Koltash
Anatomy/Anthropology Instructor
Tom Savini's Special Make-up Effects Program
Douglas Education Center
Monessen, PA

"It has been a few years since I ordered my collection of 5 human skulls, which demonstrate gender, age, and racial criteria, from your company and use them to the delight of my students every semester. I have noted that you now include a PDF with each skull with its osteological descriptions. Nice touch. It puts you a step above the others. Bravo to your whole product line. Nothing else compares and I direct all inquiries that I receive about investing in skeletal anatomy from my students to Bone Clones."

Jill Shapiro
Department of Anthropology
Columbia University, New York

"Just wanted to let you know that the skulls arrived and the job that your team did is nothing short of miraculous. Thanks so much. I can't wait to use them. I can't think of another company that would consider making a cast of a particular primate simply because someone asked."

Phil Sary
Calistoga Jr/Sr High School

Part 1 Thank you so much; I really do appreciate all of the help you've given me in getting together a fantastic collection of materials that my kids not only learn a lot from but also enjoy. You would not believe the care that they take in handling the specimens and it is truly a joy to see them experiencing actually handling materials that they could otherwise only experience in pictures. You have helped me make science come alive for my kids. I have shared this 'stuff' with almost 3000 junior high and high school kids. Some have gone on to careers in science and they give credit to being exposed to my collection."
Part 2 "I received STS-52 and the left innominate of "Lucy." The STS-52 is absolutely incredible. Your products just keep getting better and better. Thanks again for your work; my kids really enjoy studying the collection. They say that it makes them feel like real scientists and they tell their friends from other schools about getting to work with the stuff. Some of them are amazed that other schools don't have this stuff. It rather reminds me of the incident where one of Darwin's sons, on visiting a friend's home, asked the friend, 'And where is your father's barnacle collection?'"

John Moore
Professor - Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Forensics
Natural Sciences Department
Parkland College

"Your company has been FANTASTIC to work with. The one time I had a problem - it was resolved in a timely fashion, and to my complete satisfaction! … In 2006, we will start offering workshops in forensic osteology. Needless to say - I will be plugging Bone Clones whenever it is appropriate:)"

"Just a quick posting to let you know that the hand & foot bones arrived - and they are absolutely fantastic! They are EXACTLY what is needed for the types of labs we do, i.e., giving the students a pile of bones, and having them both ID and side the bones. MANY THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

David Tegg
Peoria, Il

"I just wanted to let you know that I am very very very pleased with the Narwhal Tusk that I received this week. The professionalism of your staff shows all the way through from order processing, the straight forward instructions enclosed for assembly, the expert packaging, and most certainly to the quality of the product itself.

There is of course a very strong "cool factor" involved here with your products, but none the less you pay a lot of attention to quality. In this instance, I would site not just the tusk itself, but also the shank, brass washers and nuts, and definitely the black walnut base which really compliments it.

I absolutely prefer to pay more for something that is really done well like this than to save money and get something shoddy. I have never had a bad experience with you and have never been disappointed with anything I've bought from you. Keep up the good work, and again thank you. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to get something like this that exceeds my expectations in every way."

Peter Wagner
Herne, Germany

"The Atapuerca skull arrived today, itīs amazing! I really have to say, your hominid casts get better with every new one. The Neandertal "Teshik Tash" Cast was already fantastic but this one is marvelous."

David C. Batten
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology
Eastern New Mexico University

"We received the two skeletons last Thursday. We are very impressed. The detail is superb. I am particularly happy about the vertebrae of the female, showing the arthritis, and the pubic symphyses of both. The skulls are also remarkable. Thanks so much for your help on this and for your (and your staff's!) excellent work."

Jim Vanhollebeke
Canovan Research
Michigan, USA

"I have just received the two skulls (Turkana and bonobo) with stands. They are strikingly beautiful! The revised Turkana Homo ergaster is just perfect. Kudos to you and group!! I can never tell you how delighted I am."

"Your Dmanisi skull arrived yesterday. What an amazing fossil reproduction. I am more satisfied than I can express. (:)) I have now ordered the Skull stand that I should have ordered WITh it! Dave, thank you so much for all that you do. Your product HAS to be the best. I cannot IMAGINE anyone doing a better job!!"

Ronald Chavez, Principal
Blythe Middle School

"My name is Ronald E. Chavez and I am Principal at Blythe Middle School where Christine Pittman is a student. She was the recipient of a grizzly bear skull and replica of the brain for her science fair project. It is wonderful that you sponsor the recognition of student achievement. The entire staff and faculty want to thank you for your generous sponsorship of the program. Those responsible in your company for becoming involved in this worthy endeavor are to be congratulated."

Anne A. Hunter, M.D.
Boulder, Colorado

"I am absolutely thrilled! The pelvis "KO-178-P" just arrived today and it is BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for all the time you and your company took with me to get this figured out. Your reproductions are excellent; your customer service has been responsive, gracious and helpful; and this specimen is magnificent -- as you promised it would be. Thanks again from me and all of my students."

Anonymous
"I find it amazing that a company on the other side of the planet can manage to get us our products quicker and with superior customer service than some local companies around the block from us!"



Acknowledgements

Bone Clones, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the generosity and support of the following Institutions and organizations for providing original specimens for us to cast:

Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
Babiarz Institute of Paleontological Studies
Black Hills Institute of Geological Research
Charleston Museum
Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Philadelphia Zoo
Pittsburgh State University
San Diego Museum of Man
San Diego Natural History Museum
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Skulls Unlimited International
The Estate of Grover Krantz
The National Aquarium
Triebold Paleontology
UC Davis Body Donation Program

Bone Clones® Website Category Index
CUSTOMER SERVICE CUSTOM ORDERS HOME MISC MAMMALS REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
ADVANCED ANATOMY DINOSAURS & FOSSILS HUMAN ANALYSIS REPORTS MODERN CATS RHINOS
ALL SKELETONS DOGS HUMAN CHILD SKULLS & SKELETONS NEANDERTHALS RODENTS
ALL SKULLS ECONOMY SERIES HUMAN FETAL SKULLS & SKELETONS NEW PRODUCTS SHARKS & OTHER FISHES
BEARS ENTIRE PRODUCT LIST HUMAN POSTCRANIAL NORTH AMERICAN BIRD EGGS SMALL MAMMALS
B.I.O.P.S.I. COLLECTION FOSSIL CATS HUMAN SKELETONS OTHER PRODUCTS STANDS & CASES
BIRDS FOSSIL HOMINIDS HUMAN ADULT SKULLS PDF CATALOG TEETH & FANGS
BOOKS FORENSICS KRANTZ COLLECTION PHYSICAL THERAPY T-SHIRTS
CATALOG GIRAFFE & OKAPI LESSER PRIMATES PLATYPUS TURTLES
CLAWS & TALONS GREAT APES LIFE CASTS PRIMATE FEMURS  
COMPANY INFO HALF-SCALE SERIES LINKS PRIMATE POSTCRANIAL  
COMPARATIVE SETS HIPPOS MARINE MAMMALS PRICE LIST AT A GLANCE  


Last Updated: Tuesday March 16, 2010
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