Curiosity - clip

[Ray6930]

I picked up the item in attached pictures in a lot of badges etc.
I was going to simply try and clear it through Ebay or something but would like to know more about it if possible as I have not seen anything like it before.

It is pretty well engineered and constructed in brass. In pictures 1 & 2 it is closed.
The other pictures show it opened.
The crown - which I presume to be Victorian(?) is lifted and this releases the jaws (behind the photograph of the lady). Folding the crown back down closes the jaws - forming a good solid grip with them.

Because of the picture, and it being of a lady, I presumed this to be a sweetheart item - and carried by the soldier rather than left at home for the sweetheart to wear as is normal with regimental brooches etc.

I was wondering where it would be worn - would it simply be clipped to a lapel or a pocket or somewhere, it did it have a specific purpose?

Any thoughts welcome - and if anyone wants it then feel free to drop me a PM

Ray