The C27 Archives Sale: A Collector’s Guide to Vintage Hair Accessories

Regulars of the C27 Archives sale start preparing weeks ahead. Unlike a typical clearance, this is a dispersal of stock held back from previous seasons, rediscovered in workshop drawers, or sourced from private collections that the Maison has acquired over decades. The sale is announced quietly via postal notification or a discreet update on the member portal. Once the doors open, the atmosphere is more like a scholarly gathering than a frenzy, with collectors comparing notes on provenance and material condition before committing to a purchase.

The C27 designation itself refers to a specific storage bay within the Maison Archives system – a climate-controlled room that houses accessories from the late 1920s through to the 1970s. Anything emerging from C27 has been kept away from light, dust, and fluctuating humidity. That doesn't guarantee perfection, but it means the degradation common to poorly stored vintage pieces is far less likely. What you'll find are combs with intact prongs, barrettes with working springs, and headbands with pliable yet stable metal frames.

Understanding the C27 Sale

The sale takes place over a single weekend in late autumn, in a modestly appointed room adjacent to the Maison’s showroom in central London. Entry is by appointment only, and each visitor is allotted a one-hour slot. This prevents overcrowding and allows for thoughtful inspection. The stock is arranged on long trestle tables covered in white linen, not unlike an antiques fair, with pieces grouped by type: combs in one section, barrettes in another, and headbands or crown pieces along the back wall. Small handwritten labels carry the C27 lot number and, where known, the year of production.

Because the sale is not advertised widely, the attendees tend to be a knowledgeable crowd: vintage dealers, costume historians, and serious collectors. If you are new to the event, introduce yourself to the Maison archivist on duty – they often share details about a piece’s origin that are not written on the tag. I once learned that a tortoiseshell-effect celluloid comb had originally been designed for a theatrical production in 1937, which made the modest price feel like a steal.

What to Look For: Hair Combs and Barrettes

The C27 inventory changes each year, but certain categories are almost always represented. Spanish-style mantilla combs, with their tall, arched profiles, appear regularly in celluloid or early plastic. Check the underside of the comb for the Maison’s incised mark – a tiny MA inside a circle – which distinguishes genuine archival pieces from later reproductions. Barrettes from the 1950s often have metal clips that can be tested for tension. A clip that snaps shut with a crisp sound is likely still functional; one that feels limp may need professional repair, but that can be a worthwhile project if the decorative face is especially fine.

• Celluloid pieces (pre-1950s): Look for the characteristic marbled or mottled finish. Be aware that celluloid can yellow or become brittle if stored improperly, but C27 pieces are usually in excellent condition. Gently flex the comb – it should give slightly without cracking.
• Bakelite and early plastics (1930s–1960s): These materials are heavier and warmer to the touch. A black Bakelite barrette with carved geometric patterns is a classic find. Wipe with a dry cloth before purchase to see the true colour under any surface grime.
• Metal headbands and hair vines: Often made of brass or silver-plated wire. Look for intact plating and no sharp bends. A headband that has been bent out of shape can sometimes be gently reshaped, but complex floral designs may lose soldered elements.

Materials and Craftsmanship

One of the joys of the C27 sale is the chance to handle pieces made from materials that are rarely used today. Horn combs, hand-cut from natural cattle horn, carry subtle striations that no synthetic can mimic. The Maison Archives also holds a small number of French jet (glass) combs from the 1920s, which require careful handling because the glass can chip if dropped. If you are drawn to such pieces, ask for cotton gloves at the entrance – the natural oils on your fingers can cloud polished glass over time.

Another material that often appears is silver-toned metal alloy with applied enamel. These pieces, popular in the 1950s and 1960s, are delicate. Check the enamel for chips; a well-preserved example with intact colour is far more valuable than one that has lost its vibrancy. The Maison’s own repairs are sometimes noted on the tag – an honest disclosure that allows you to decide whether the piece fits your collection.

How to Prepare Your Collection Strategy

Walking into the C27 sale without a plan is like entering a library with no reading list – you will leave overwhelmed and possibly empty-handed. Begin by reviewing your existing collection at home. Note gaps: do you lack a good 1940s utility-style barrette, or a grand 1920s headband for evening wear? Write down the era and material you are seeking. Bring a small notebook and a soft cloth to clean pieces before close inspection.

Budgeting is also essential. Prices at the C27 sale are not bargain-bin; they reflect the archival quality and the Maison’s own valuation. Expect to spend between £30 and £150 for an average piece, with rare items reaching £300 or more. That said, the condition is almost always superior to what you would find on a market stall, and you have the added security of purchase from the archive itself.

If you are looking for a crown headband to complete a special occasion outfit, the C27 sale is an excellent place to find pieces with floral motifs. For example, a blue rose crown headband in the quiet style of the French house might appear – these are often made from fabric-wrapped wire and tiny silk blossoms, and require gentle handling but add undeniable grace.

Caring for Your Finds After the Sale

Once you have carried your purchase home, resist the urge to display it immediately. Let the piece acclimate to your home environment for a day or two, particularly if it has been stored in the constant climate of C27. Then clean it according to its material. Celluloid and early plastics can be wiped with a barely damp cloth and dried immediately. Metal pieces benefit from a very light application of Renaissance Wax on a cotton swab for the non-enamelled parts. Avoid submerging anything in water; antique adhesives may loosen.

Storage matters as much as cleaning. Keep your C27 finds in individual acid-free tissue paper or in padded zip-lock bags (with a tiny hole for ventilation). Do not hang heavy combs from hooks – the weight can distort the prongs over time. A flat drawer, lined with felt, is ideal. And always separate pieces by material; celluloid can off-gas and damage nearby metals if stored in an airtight container for years.

After cleaning and storing your piece, take a moment to record the lot number, approximate year, and any details the archivist shared. Over time, these notes become a personal reference that helps you spot connections between different pieces. The C27 sale offers a rare chance to handle history firsthand—next year’s event will likely bring new treasures, so monitor the member portal around October.