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[DOOFUS]

Office discussion/question tonight -- just asked why / from where / MC riders adopted the placing of skulls on patches, chrome, etc?  Anyone have any history or explanation???  Thnx in advance, DOOFUS

[GregKhougaz]

If you google this topic, I believe you will find an extensive history and ties to the World War II flight crews and insignias painted on the B17 and other aircraft. 

[kraut]

you better start with "Totenkopf" and move to "Human Skull Symbolism", but I haven't found an english site which explains the ancient nordic mythology about the skull symbol: the skull worn on your body keeps death away because when he walks up to you and sees it he will think: "Oh, here I was already" and walk to the next one 

So putting skulls on a motorcycle is just pure nonsense but wearing one or more (works best if they are made of silver, remember silver bullets will even kill werewolves) brings luck to you (but may well be fatal for the one next to you, so any BSR must do so too  ).

[Special_Ed]

http://www.bigcyclepro.com/the-history-of-harley-davidson-logos/


http://www.pacificgrids.com/skull/winged-skull-article.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Learn-the-History-Behind-the-Historical-Harley-Davidson-Logo&id=3963945

Here are a few links to try.
Ed

[DOOFUS]

UDDAMAN !  I do recall the pre-WWI Officer head dress popular in Prussia.  Then of course, subsequent elements adopted the skull.  But I'm liking that the prsence of one may lead another skull to eff off!!!!

you better start with "Totenkopf" and move to "Human Skull Symbolism", but I haven't found an english site which explains the ancient nordic mythology about the skull symbol: the skull worn on your body keeps death away because when he walks up to you and sees it he will think: "Oh, here I was already" and walk to the next one 

So putting skulls on a motorcycle is just pure nonsense but wearing one or more (works best if they are made of silver, remember silver bullets will even kill werewolves) brings luck to you (but may well be fatal for the one next to you, so any BSR must do so too  ).

[ice6900]

my skull earring serves me well so far.......

[duranh]

Harleys ane METAL, skulls are METAL. (METAL like the music) That said I don't do the skull thing at all.

[Gecko]

Cuz it make 'em look Badaaaazzzzz 

[hogsty]

I've always thought skulls were cool.  Pirates used them.

Arrrr!

[faceracer]

you better start with "Totenkopf" and move to "Human Skull Symbolism", but I haven't found an english site which explains the ancient nordic mythology about the skull symbol: the skull worn on your body keeps death away because when he walks up to you and sees it he will think: "Oh, here I was already" and walk to the next one 

So putting skulls on a motorcycle is just pure nonsense but wearing one or more (works best if they are made of silver, remember silver bullets will even kill werewolves) brings luck to you (but may well be fatal for the one next to you, so any BSR must do so too  ).

Try explaining that to my EX-wife! She always claimed I was obsessed with Death because of my many Skull Tattoos. 

[kraut]

why bother about ex-wives 

[Ironhorse]

I read a similar thread over on another site.

The general consensus there is that a lot of it is tied into memorabilia and "war booty" from WWII, specifically Nazi stuff. A lot of returning GIs had "collected souvieners" during the war to include insignias, decorations, flags, arm bands, pistols, hats, uniforms, and of course helmets. When they returned the US Army started selling the surplus HD motorcycles for $25.00 and the former GIs soon found inexpensive and semi-reliable transportation. As they slowly formed "clubs" they often "decorated" themselves with stuff they brought home. Soon Nazi helmets, SS emblems and Deaths Heads were adorning jackets and vest. Most of society turned a blind eye to this remaining small percentage and just saw them as soldiers who once faced death continuing to push their lives and lifestyle to the limits. But overtime this small percentage was soon thrown into the rest of the "1%" and thus the bad image of the biker gangs were formed. Regardless, the enduring image of the deaths head skull and german helmet still lives on in a milder form of accessories and fashion wear offered by your local bike shop.

But I could be wrong, after all I read it on the internet.

[CVOJOE]

Try explaining that to my EX-wife! She always claimed I was obsessed with Death because of my many Skull Tattoos. 

Could be worse............could be Goldie Winger tattoo!! 

[Jock]

 

[kraut]