Perhaps the greatest Halloween mask ever made was the Don Post Skull. It was an original sculpt by Pat Newman produced by the Don Post company for the first time in 1967. It later was released in various colors including the awesome black vinyl, glow in the dark model from 1978 that you see me sporting above. This was similar to the version used in the film Halloween III: Season of the Witch, the only Halloween movie that didn’t include Michael Myers.

I bought my mask at a store we only knew as “The Trick Shop.” They sold assorted magic tricks, gag items, and of course, masks. I really don’t remember what I paid for it, but it must have been a fortune for me at the time. It was my favorite mask and one I often stuffed with newspaper and used as a skull prop. Its appeal for me was its unique design that reminded me of the aesthetic of the Disney Haunted Mansion. It had a certain ghoulish whimsy that made it more than just a skull. It made it into a character.

It was also one of the toughest masks around. It was made of thick, black vinyl that gave it a solid structure unlike most latex masks. It also meant that it wouldn’t deteriorate in the air the way latex does. I’m sure that if I had it today, it would still be in excellent shape.

Alas, I have no idea what happened to it. I believe my mother donated it during a move when I no longer lived at home. Lots of the things I’d left behind disappeared without fanfare, and I didn’t realize it until years later. Wherever it may be today, I certainly miss that mask.

I’ve tried to replace it several times. I bought the latex version that predates the one I owned only to find it lacking. Something about that glow in the dark paint texture on heavy vinyl made my original something special. A few years ago, the paper Magic Company bought the Don Post name and made a new version of this mask, so I gave it a try. It was horrible. I couldn’t even force it on and the vinyl was so thin I feared I would rip it. I currently own the latex version produced by Trick or Treat Studios. I’m happy to have it. It’s a good copy but it isn’t made of vinyl so it’s not quite the same despite the fact that they were copying the look of the vinyl mask used in Halloween III.

I understand this particular version from 1978 is relatively rare and currently goes for $300-400 if it’s in good shape. I certainly don’t miss mine THAT much, but I still browse on Ebay from time to time for this old mask. If you have one and you want to sell it, hit me up. You just never know.