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Years back, I was hunting at a junk shop in Allston, MA. There were cardboard boxes all over the place. A young woman looked into one that was partially opened and shrieked.

She quickly stepped away and I went over to take a peek. Inside the box was a human skull. The teeth were intact and perfect – no cavities. Much better than mine.

This skull was all diagrammed and hinged. It was for some medical study. I took the box to the cashier and asked “How much?” Ten dollars plus tax.

So, now, I own an extra human skull. I had it on my bookshelf for years. One day, I checked eBay and there were dozens of skulls and other human bones for sale. I was done with owning a skull and decided to sell it. The thing did $700!

Okay, so, who buys skulls on eBay? I googled the guy’s address who bought it and the property photo showed a small four room non-descript house in some southern state. The only thing I could figure is the house was a few blocks from a major University and maybe it was for some science department.

Also, I checked the guy’s other purchases and he’d bought quite a few other skulls. Hmm. Whatever. I mailed it out and he got it to add to his collection. Unfortunately, the shop closed a few years later.

Bob Adams has been in Somerville 27 years but was a frequent visitor prior to moving here. He worked as a jeweler in a few shops in his younger years, owned his own shop for a bit, sold real estate for 10 years and is always hunting for his next treasure. He has been an antique and collectibles dealer for 30 years. He can be reached at 27winter@gmail.com. Visit his website at www.Somerville.com.