Yale Secret Society’s Skull Not On Today’s Auction Block

NEW YORK – A New York City auction house says a human skull that had been used as a ballot box by Yale’s elite Skull and Bones society has been withdrawn from sale.

Christie’s said Friday that the 19th century skull was being removed from the Jan. 22 sale due to a title claim. The auction house declined further comment.

The skull had been expected to sell for $10,000 to $20,000. Christie’s only identified the seller as a European art collector.

The skull is fitted with a hinged flap and is believed to have been used during voting at the mysterious society’s meetings. The club was founded in 1832 and publicly known members, called Bonesmen, include both presidents Bush and Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry.