Grouse claw pins

**David Thornton** · 10th October 05, 06:50 PM

The belt question went so well, I'll push my luck and ask another question.

I see a lot of Grouse claw pins for sale. Seems appropriate to me as Scotland is still revered for driven grouse shoots. I hope to be able to go one day myself.

However, all the ones I have seen have some sort of synthetic jewel on the middle toe, sorta like a ring. What is the significance of the jewel? Does the grouse claw itself have historically significance.

Just trying to learn.

David

**Bob C** · 10th October 05, 06:54 PM

Great question. I'm looking forward to the answer because I don't know, either.

I never bought one because I think they're a bit disgusting.

**David Thornton** · 10th October 05, 07:04 PM

The claw or the fake jewel?
I think the grouse is a beautiful bird, and the feathered foot is gorgeous, especially set in silver.
David

**Bob C** · 10th October 05, 07:14 PM

The claw. Yes, the grouse is a beautiful bird. The dismembered foot, not so much.

Again, just personal preference.

**Graham** · 10th October 05, 07:25 PM

I'm no animal liberationalist, but I don't like wearing bits of animals, whether feet or heads (as in some sporrans).

I wear leather, sure, and I'm thankful for the animal that gave it's life for my comfort, but to dangle bits of their anatomy off my person seems disrespectful. Maybe I'm a bit sentimental about it, but just my opinion.

I have seen pewter grouse claw pins on scottishkilts.com, they might be worth a look.
http://scottishkilts.net/products/th..._kilt_pin.html

**Archangel** · 10th October 05, 07:47 PM

Not sure if you asked for opinions? Mine is a negative for two reasons: the animal part thing bothers me and it looks too much like a Miss Marple thing. (Do we all have the fear of looking like her?)

I've never got the significance of it, the claw, either.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 11th October 05, 04:43 AM

My daughter picked one out (shes 8) at HR It's white with a jewel . I think the jewel is there to finish it off covering the chopped leg (Sorry to be graphic).

Norman the Pres' at the cally in Oslo has one in white on a chain around his neck as a badge of office. Looks great.

For thoose that are wondering white is the winter plumage of the Grouse

**MACKAY** · 11th October 05, 05:31 AM

My Grandfather wore one as a kilt pin for as long as I can remember. He had two or three of them. I never did ask him why he wore it, I just assumed it was normal to have one as a kilt pin.

Brian Mackay

**Planopiper** · 11th October 05, 05:51 AM

I thought the jewel on the toe was there just because that's where the band is that holds the bottom of the pin to the foot. Many people, including Scots, aren't known for subtlety and so they wouldn't miss the opportunity to add a little more decoration. A lot of grouse claws have a small deer head at the end of the metal case at the top of the foot. I think the foot looks better with the toes down, but then the deer head is upside down. Is it supposed to be worn toes up? It just seems weird that it would be designed with an upside down deer head.
See this ebay auction: 4960366738

**macwilkin** · 11th October 05, 05:58 AM

I wonder if it has something to do with Ghillies and "The Glorious 12th" in Scotland?

http://www.geocities.com/traditions_uk/august12.html

It reminds me of the Elk's tooth watch fobs worn by members of the Bevenolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) here in the states back in the 19th century.

Graham, thanks for the link to the pweter grouse claw pin; I rather like that one.

Cheers,

Todd