Lot #71: Antique Scottish Kilt Pin / Brooch Grouse or Ptarmigan foot with Yellow Stone

- Item type: charm pendant / taxidermy paw talisman / jewelry component - Material: real fur, metal cap/setting, glass or rhinestone stone - Color: cream/off-white fur, silver/tarnished metal, yellow stone, brown claw tips - Features: three-toed paw with claws, metal cap with faceted yellow stone, rivet/button on top - Size: small (under 4 inches / 10 cm) - Origin: vintage, unknown origin - Condition: good, minor wear/tarnish on metal Circa -1880 - 1900 This is the real, taxidermy-preserved foot of a Ptarmigan (a bird in the grouse family native to the Scottish Highlands). The base of the leg is set into a traditional metal cap (usually sterling silver or silver-plated brass) designed to protect the cut end. The base features a large, faceted amber-colored stone meant to imitate Cairngorm (a type of smoky quartz/citrine found in the Scottish mountains). The small metal band around the center claw is a decorative "toe ring," holding a matching accent stone. They were originally worn by hunters as a trophy of a successful game bird hunt. They quickly evolved into popular talismanic jewelry, gifted as tokens of good luck and protection. Pickup category timeslot {B}