Restoring Grouse Claw Kilt pin

**Manxstralian** · 16th May 13, 10:05 PM

I'm looking at an antique Grouse Claw kilt pin on ebay, but the description states the from talon is loose, is there an easy fix for this, or is it past its prime?

Also, what's the general opinion on Grouse kilt pins? Unique and amazing, or somewhat odd and tacky?

Cheers,

Cameron

**Jock Scot** · 17th May 13, 01:59 AM

Grouse claw pins were quite the thing in the not so distant past, my mother had several, you still see new ones for sale on occasion, but I rarely see one being worn these days. I think modern thinking on "dead things" being worn has not helped this particular fashion.

In truth, once they start falling apart it is time to retire them, but a dab of glue, or even clear varnish, might keep them going for a while longer.

**Manxstralian** · 17th May 13, 02:36 AM

Thanks Jock, I thought that might be the case. It's apparently quite old and very cheap on ebay, perhaps that is why it's not being bid on.

Cheers,
Cameron

**artificer** · 17th May 13, 04:47 AM

I'm with Jock Scot on this,

if it's starting to fall apart you MIGHT be able to extend it's life (or afterlife in this case

) but it's probably on the way out.

There are over a dozen on eBay right now starting around $12 US, so you might be able to find another that's less fragile.

ith:

**MacCathmhaoil** · 17th May 13, 04:52 AM

I would agree with Jock and the others, have you thought of a silver or metal one? I picked this up a while back.
image.jpg

**Manxstralian** · 17th May 13, 05:45 AM

Thanks guys,

Here it is: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Victorian...item485542cc29

"Estimated to date from 1890s" according to the seller (take that for what it's worth), but someone here might like it. I think I'll sit this one out, but I'll keep an eye out for a good vintage one. I like the look for wearing with a hunting kilt, and wearing "dead things" doesn't bother me.

I quite like the silver version too, MacCathmhaoil, although that would probably be better suited to evening wear.

Regards,

Cameron

**JohntheBiker** · 17th May 13, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by MacCathmhaoil

I would agree with Jock and the others, have you thought of a silver or metal one? I picked this up a while back.
image.jpg

That one is interesting.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 17th May 13, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by JohntheBiker

That one is interesting.

Thanks! I picked it up a while back, fear I overpaid a bit for it but it was interesting and not common. It's silver plate and some one had soldered on a safety pin to replace the broken pin, a friend who's a jeweller is replacing the pin for me.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 17th May 13, 06:16 AM

Here is another, slightly different style at a reasonable price.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/370814123836?...84.m1423.l2649

**Grouse Claw** · 14th July 13, 05:58 AM

I have only one pin, a grouse claw, a family heirloom from way back. It is in good condition. It flops around a bit, so I have made sure the catch fits snugly. Here it is, on my Avatar. I wear the kilt every time I go to church, where people have got used to it.