A well captured human skull stick pin.  The piece is gold fill, and is engraved on the forehead with Philadelphia and the years 1912-1913, with a form of symbolic cross in the center. It is very well executed and has a great visual appeal, a conversation piece for any lapel or tie.

It is believed that this could be an early piece of Masonic jewellery.  The skull does often appear in Masonic jewellery and iconography.  It is an emblem of mortality and reminds one that death, the great leveler will strike each and every one of us and that when we are all reduced to dust we are all equal.  A reminder that no man is greater than any other, we all have an equal part to play and contribute to this life.

The skull is marked 'D. L. Auld'..  It was made by Demas L. Auld. The D.L. Auld Company, founded in 1870, was one of the largest manufacturers of custom jewelry of the early 20th century, the company produced high-end jewelry, mesh purses, fraternity rings, diamonds & mountings. In 1912, the company was hired by Henry Ford to create a name plate emblem for his new Model T vehicle. This led to the company shifting gears to become a manufacturer of automobile emblems and hood ornaments, abandoning its jewelry division in the early 1900's. The company is still in business today, manufacturing for the auto industry.

Made in America, circa 1912.