Unusual antique necklace with REAL talons

[pokerface]

I haven't been able to find any info on this piece or anything similar. As y'all might know, I am super into oddities, and this definitely qualifies! It was sold as a "very old" silver piece with real bird of prey talons. You can still see a tiny bit of feather left on the claw, lol. I would love to learn more about its age, origin, anything, or if anyone thinks it would be worthwhile to get it appraised.








Holding my necklace while playing Wingspan, because duh

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Reminds me of Jurassic park
I mean that as a huge compliment
i loved that movie so much i went to see it 5 times

 

[VRBeauty]

Mongolian, maybe? I seem to recall that falconry is popular there.

 

[pokerface]

Any suggestions on where I could take this in NYC to learn more about it?

 

[stracci2000]

It's wild!
Are you sure it's from a bird?
Looks more like a cat claw to me.

Edit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1144267531/sri-lankan-vintage-tiger-claw-pendant?ref=share_v4_lx

 

[Bron357]

If it is indeed a bird talon, my guess would be that it’s Middle Eastern.
In this region, tribespeople often hunt with falcons and they are revered because they can mean the difference between eating and not.
With the Bedouin tribespeople they hunt with falcons and Salukis. The falcon can find the prey and when located the bird will circle. The Salukis, as independent hunters, watch the falcon and then run to where the prey is. A pair or more of Salukis can chase down and catch dinner.
I imagine that the loss of a beloved falcon might encourage the saving the talons and making a keepsake.
Alternatively, if a big cat claw it again could be tribal in origin, though more as a talisman to represent bravery or success in hunting.

 

[pokerface]

@stracci2000 Thank you!! Too funny, I have cats and the thought crossed my mind that it looked like a cat claw, but I did not put two and two together. I'm able to find more similar designs by searching for "puligoru" aka tiger claw jewelry. I'm now fairly certain these are tiger claws or some other large cat. No wonder it was of no help to me in Wingspan!

 

[pokerface]

Looks real to me, but what the heck do I know.

 

[stracci2000]

Looks real to me, but what the heck do I know.

I'm pretty sure they are tiger claws, based on the photos of these pendants I saw online.
It's weird that the claws come out of the frame like that.
So what other oddities do you have in your collection?? Photos, please?
DH has some assorted animal bones and skulls. My neighbor has a real human skull.

 

[pokerface]

@stracci2000 You saw my thread here, right? https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/talons-big-small-claw-pendant-with-orb.271773/

I had a nice ammonite fossil that I gave to a friend. I also ordered a conjoined twins candle a few years ago, but it was stolen, and now it's sold out. I've been to a bunch of oddities shops and museums but only recently have I been able to actually afford to buy any souvenirs!