This appears to be a Clan Crest Cap Badge.
Developed in the late Victorian - Early Edwardian, periods around the same time as many of the myths that surround Scottish Highlanders, such as Septs, most named Tartan designs, and the belief that anyone of Scottish ancestry can link themselves to a Highland Clan.
Clan Crests are commonly worn on Balmoral Bonnets and Glengarries.
(Photos courtesy of St. Kilda Kilts)
But there are some who use them as kilt pins and/or plaid brooches.
There are literally hundreds of different designs. This forum has its own Cap Badge -
Some are purely whimsical.
The thing to be careful with is not to confuse a Clan Crest with a Coat of Arms. Arms are granted. (In Scotland by
the Court of The Lord Lyon) And are the property of a single person.
The small portion in the center of a Clan Crest is a part of the Arms of an Armiger (one who has been granted Arms) which are then encircled by a belt and buckle design to denote loyalty or fealty to that person. (usually a Clan Chief)
And unless you are an Armiger, Clan Chief or Chieftain, never, ever, wear feathers stuck behind a Clan Crest.
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