Scottish Sterling Silver Grouse Paw Kilt Pin / Brooch

An oddity and a delight, this sterling silver and grouse foot brooch is a real conversation starter! In Scotland, the tradition of grouse hunting dates back centuries. These pins were used to add weight to kilts, keeping them in place during the hunt (and maybe even providing a little luck!). One account claims that grouse foot kilt pins were a sign of defiance against the Lairds, since the animals had been taken from their lands and made into jewelry. According to this legend, this is why the “middle finger” of the foot has its own mini-ring! Either way, it looks fabulous. This particular pin is in excellent shape, with minimal signs of wear. I’ve polished the sterling silver up, and it gleams nicely. The pin bears a string of small Scottish hallmarks indicating sterling silver. The faceted purple jewel is likely glass, and it has no damage. The setting of the stone is in the form of a stag. It measures approx. 3” long and 1” wide.