The Mystery of the Store p135 Beret Clip: A Collector’s Guide
Among the many numbered tags that appear on mid-century British hair accessories, the “Store p135” marking has a particular mystique. It appears most often on small, sculpted beret-style clips decorated with polka dots, and collectors across the UK have long debated what the code actually means. Was it a manufacturer’s batch number, a retailer’s inventory code, or something else entirely? The real answer is simpler than most people guess — and a lot more interesting.
The “p” almost certainly stands for “pattern” or “price” — depending on which archive you consult — and the number that follows is a reference to a specific design within a larger catalogue. For the p135, that design is a beret silhouette executed in a stiff, slightly glossy synthetic resin, with raised polka dots moulded directly into the surface rather than painted on. This technique, known as “embedded dot moulding,” was a hallmark of several small British factories operating in the 1950s and early 1960s, particularly those in the Midlands that supplied department stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and smaller independent boutiques.
What Makes the Store p135 Beret Polka Dots Distinctive?
Unlike later beret clips that relied on printed patterns or glued-on decorations, the p135’s dots are part of the clip itself. The resin was poured into a two-part mould that had tiny hemispherical cavities; when the clip was ejected, the dots stood proud of the surface by about half a millimetre. This gave the accessory a tactile quality that collectors still prize today. Run your fingertip over a well-preserved example and you can feel each individual dot — a small but delightful detail that mass-produced modern clips rarely replicate.
The colour palette of the p135 series is also noteworthy. While the most common version is cream with dark navy or black dots, examples have been found in:
- Pale pink with white dots
- Mint green with darker green dots
- Soft yellow with brown dots (sometimes mistaken for tortoiseshell at a glance)
- Ivory with red dots (the rarest variant, highly sought after by serious collectors)
The beret shape itself is a stylised circle with a slight asymmetry — the left side is often a fraction larger than the right, mimicking the way a fabric beret sits at a jaunty angle on the head. This asymmetry was intentional; it allowed the clip to sit more naturally in the hair, especially when worn on the side of the head, a popular styling choice in the late 1950s.
Dating the Store p135: Clues from Construction and Packaging
If you have a p135 beret clip in hand, you can narrow down its production date by examining a few key features. The earliest examples (circa 1955–1957) used a metal spring-clip mechanism that was riveted directly into the resin. These clips have a distinct “snap” when opened and closed, and the metal is usually nickel-plated steel, which may show some tarnishing after seven decades. Later versions (1958–1962) switched to a lighter, all-metal clamp with a plastic-coated spring — a cost-saving measure that also reduced the risk of the clip pulling hair.
The reverse side of the clip often holds additional clues. Look for a tiny moulded number near the hinge. On genuine p135 clips, you may find “135” in very small relief, sometimes accompanied by a letter — “A” or “B” — that likely indicated a colour variant. If the number is absent or looks hand-stamped, the clip may be a reproduction or a later factory second.
Original packaging is rare but not impossible to find. The clips were typically sold on small cardboard cards with a clear plastic window, and the card itself was printed with the “Store” brand name in a simple sans-serif font. The back of the card sometimes included a short care instruction: “Wipe clean with a dry cloth. Avoid perfume and hairspray.” This advice was prescient — many of the clips that survived in excellent condition were those whose owners heeded the warning and kept them away from alcohol-based styling products.
How to Wear a Store p135 Beret Clip Today
Vintage hair accessories can feel intimidating to incorporate into a modern wardrobe, but the p135 beret clip is surprisingly versatile. Its compact size — roughly 4 cm in diameter — means it works equally well as a subtle accent or a statement piece, depending on how you style it.
For a low-key everyday look, try securing a deep side part with the clip placed just above the ear, letting the polka dots peek out from behind a wave of hair. The cream-and-navy version pairs beautifully with a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, echoing the clean lines of 1950s separates without looking costumey. If you want a more playful effect, choose the pink-and-white variant and wear it with a simple grey cashmere sweater — the contrast is soft but intentional.
Those who love a more elaborate updo can use the p135 as a finishing touch on a low chignon or a twisted French roll. Because the clip is lightweight and has a strong grip, it can hold a surprising amount of hair without slipping. Just be sure to insert it at an angle, with the open end facing downward, to keep the beret shape sitting flush against the head.
For readers who also collect other numbered hair accessories, the p135 sits beautifully alongside the star-motif pieces discussed in The Star Motif in British Hair Accessories: A Collector's Guide. Both designs share the same mid-century sensibility for sculpted resin and geometric patterns, and they can be worn together on opposite sides of the head for a coordinated vintage look.
Caring for Your Store p135: Practical Tips
Resin from the 1950s is generally stable, but it does have vulnerabilities. The most common issue collectors encounter is “crazing” — a network of fine surface cracks that can develop when the clip is exposed to extreme temperature changes. To prevent this, never store your p135 in a bathroom or near a radiator. A cool, dry drawer lined with acid-free tissue paper is ideal.
If the clip has become dull or slightly sticky (a sign of early resin degradation), you can gently clean it with a microfibre cloth barely dampened with distilled water. Do not use alcohol, acetone, or any commercial jewellery cleaner — these will attack the resin and permanently damage the surface. For stubborn grime in the crevices around the dots, a soft toothbrush used dry can work wonders.
The metal spring mechanism may stiffen over time. A tiny drop of sewing machine oil applied to the hinge with a toothpick will usually restore smooth movement. Wipe away any excess immediately and let the clip sit open for an hour before closing it, so the oil can distribute evenly.
Where to Find Genuine Store p135 Beret Clips
Because the p135 was a mass-market item rather than a high-end piece, it turns up with reasonable frequency at British vintage fairs, car boot sales, and online marketplaces. Prices vary widely depending on colour and condition. The common cream-and-navy version can often be found for £15–£25, while the rare ivory-and-red example may command £60 or more from dedicated collectors.
When shopping online, always ask the seller for a clear photo of the reverse side. The presence of the moulded “135” and the correct spring mechanism are your best guarantees of authenticity. Be wary of clips that look too pristine — a 65-year-old accessory should show at least minor signs of wear, such as light surface scratches or a slight yellowing of white resin. Perfect condition can sometimes indicate a modern replica rather than a true vintage piece.
If you are new to collecting numbered vintage hair clips, start with a single p135 in a colour that complements your wardrobe. Once you hold it in your hand and feel the raised dots under your fingers, you will understand why these small, carefully made objects have inspired such devoted interest decades after they were first sold.