Grouse claw pins

[McClef]

And a beautiful pin it is too Hamish!

[Peter C.]

Maybe that's how they hunt `em in Scotland, but not in upstate NY! It was alway just me, and maybe one buddy, moving slowly through some upland brush and woodlots - usually without even a dog....

Hi Brian,

And I assume, from your earlier post, that you let them flush or get in the air before you try to shoot them? I must agree that is much better than the grouse shoot that I was describing. I still don't understand, but then I'm still a non-hunter.

Good on you.

Peter

[macwilkin]

Gents,

Could we keep the discussion to kilt pins, please?

Thanks!

Todd

[Dirka Skene]

The only dead animal stuff I wear is fur or skins. I don't think I could do animal body parts.

[kallen]

Well...in Louisiana we would probably use Gator feet instead of grouse feet...which come to think of it, would make an interesting Kilt pin.

Next time I go to NOLA, I'll have to get one!!!

[Woodsheal]

Just picked this up off of EBay for twenty bucks. The seller describes it as "vintage/antique" and it's marked "MacPherson, Scotland" on the back. I like the simple, plain design....

(The squeemish and delicate are advised to avert their eyes, or have the smelling salts at hand in the event of fainting):

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[McMurdo]

That is a nice pin congratulations Woodsheal.

Personally I like grouse foot kilt pins.

[scotty dog]

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

I have just joined in on this site. My nanna gave me a grouse claw brooch many years ago and it seems what you discribe is like mine. Mine has a deer head and a yellow stone between the antlers. I have worn it with claws up and i was told it was up side down. Supposed to be worn apparently with claw down and the deer head upside down. Dont know much about it, where it was made and when. Do you know? thankyou
scottydog

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

As I was told yonks ago, the foot should be from your first grouse, in much the same way that the gamsbart in a Tyrolean hat is from a chamois.

[Dixiecat]

Maybe that's how they hunt `em in Scotland, but not in upstate NY! It was alway just me, and maybe one buddy, moving slowly through some upland brush and woodlots - usually without even a dog....

While working as part of a geological mapping team, we used to hit grouse with our truck - accidentally of course! You could be standing over top of a whole family of grouse and not know it. They blended into the gravel road perfectly.

I've seen quite a few antique grouse pins holding the plaide of a national dress dance costume. To all their own. I do particularly like the pewter one shown above by Hamish.