19th Century Big Ol' Claw Brooch

The Victorians were fascinated with natural history. We see all sorts of biological specimens in their jewelry, from beetles to shark teeth. This fantastic 19th-century brooch is a claw, a really big claw. What kind of claw? I am not an expert, and I don't need to be one to recognize that it is fierce as heck. The piece is extremely simple; it's a big ol' claw, sawn down the middle and banded with a thin brass strap. This brooch fastens with a long pin and the c-clasp common to the era. This piece is the ideal dimension for a coat or heavy jacket. Circa 1860. Details: The brooch measures 4.25" long and tapers from .07" to .80" wide. In Very Good Antique Condition. You should expect all vintage and antique jewels to show some wear; we consider it part of their charm. Item #P2870