Grouse claw pins

[David Thornton]

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]

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]

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]

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

Again, just personal preference.

[Graham]

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]

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.

[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.