If you would like to own a piece of history, and one that possibly has links to American politics, then you’ll be interested in what is being auctioned off at Christie’s later this month.
The 1872 ballot box belonging to Yale’s secretive Skull and Bones society that is being offered for sale at Christie’s New York City auction house. The ballot box, in the form of a skull and cross bones, is being sold on Jan. 22 for an estimated $10,000 to $20,000.
Founded in 1832 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Skull and Bones is thought by many to be one of the oldest and most prestigious secret societies in the United States. The symbolism of the skull and cross bones is synonymous with this group as its name is derived from the symbol itself. The ballot box, with a hinged flap on top of the skull, was said to have been used as a ballot box during society meetings or displayed in the Society’s headquarters at 64 High Street in New Haven. The inscription on the right cross bone Thor could be a name which would have been assigned to a member upon induction. Accompanied by approximately 50 photographs of society members and a small black book inscribed with names (which were published until 1971), the ballot box provides a rare glimpse into the society which has been linked to many influential figures and leaders at Yale University and in this country.
