The Store P344 Rectangle Barrette: A Collector’s Guide to a Mid-Century Classic

If you have ever held a Store P344 rectangle barrette in your hands, you will know exactly what I mean when I say it feels different from the glossy, lightweight clips found on high-street shelves today. The weight is reassuring — not heavy, but solid. The metal spring mechanism clicks with a quiet precision that suggests decades of careful engineering. And the surface, whether it is a deep tortoiseshell acetate or a softly mottled faux horn, catches the light in a way that no modern mass-produced barrette quite manages. This is an accessory that was built to last, and it has.

The Store P344 rectangle barrette first appeared in British department stores and independent hair-accessory counters during the late 1940s and remained in production through the 1950s and into the early 1960s. Unlike the more decorative, sculptural clips that emerged from Parisian ateliers, the P344 was resolutely practical — a clean, rectangular shape with gently rounded corners, designed to hold a substantial section of hair securely without pulling or slipping. Its appeal lay in its quiet confidence. It did not need to shout; it simply worked.

Identifying an Authentic Store P344 Rectangle Barrette

Before you begin hunting for a P344, it helps to know exactly what you are looking for. The designation “Store P344” is not a brand name but a catalogue code used by several British wholesalers and retailers in the post-war period. Similar to the system used for The C44 Maison Archives Hair Bow: A Collector’s Guide to a 1960s London Atelier Icon, this code refers to a specific shape and size within a broader range of hair accessories. The P344 rectangle barrette measures approximately 7.5 cm by 1.8 cm — long enough to hold a side section or a low ponytail, but not so wide that it overwhelms finer hair.

Key identifying features include:

• Metal spring clip: The mechanism is almost always a nickel-plated or silver-toned metal spring, with a small hinge at the centre. The spring should feel firm but not stiff; a P344 that has been well cared for will still open and close with a satisfying snap.
• Acetate or celluloid body: The outer shell is made from a cellulose-based plastic, often in tortoiseshell, dark brown, black, or a cream mottled pattern that mimics natural horn. Celluloid examples from the 1940s may have a faint camphor-like smell — this is normal and does not indicate damage.
• Rounded rectangular profile: Unlike the sharper-edged barrettes of the 1930s, the P344 has a softened rectangle shape. The corners are curved, and the top surface is slightly domed to catch light.
• No visible brand stamp: Many P344 barrettes are unmarked or carry only a tiny “Made in England” imprint on the inner metal clip. This is typical of mid-century British accessories produced for department stores under private labels.

Materials and Craftsmanship: Why the P344 Endures

The longevity of the Store P344 rectangle barrette is no accident. Post-war Britain was a time of material austerity, but also of remarkable ingenuity. Manufacturers like Maison Archives and smaller London ateliers developed techniques to work with cellulose acetate — a material that could be moulded, polished, and even repaired, unlike the brittle plastics that would follow in the 1970s. The acetate used in the P344 is surprisingly resilient. It can be buffed to a high shine if it becomes dull, and minor scratches can often be polished out with a soft cloth and a tiny amount of mineral oil.

The metal spring mechanism deserves special attention. Unlike the thin, stamped-metal clips found in many modern barrettes, the P344 spring is made from a thicker gauge of nickel silver or stainless steel. The hinge pin is riveted, not crimped, which means it rarely loosens over time. If you do find a P344 with a slightly weak spring, a competent jeweller or watchmaker can often tighten it without damaging the acetate body.

How to Style a Store P344 Rectangle Barrette Today

The beauty of the P344 lies in its versatility. It belongs to a lineage of mid-century hair accessories that were designed to be worn both casually and formally — a quality that makes them surprisingly easy to integrate into a contemporary wardrobe. Here are three ways I have seen readers wear theirs with great effect:

• The low side sweep: Gather the hair to one side, twist it loosely, and secure it with a single P344 placed horizontally just above the ear. This works beautifully with a silk blouse and tailored trousers — an outfit that echoes the early 1960s without feeling costumed.
• The half-up twist: Take the top section of hair from temple to crown, twist it back, and fasten it with the barrette placed vertically at the nape. This is a practical choice for days when you want hair off your face but still want to show off length. A tortoiseshell P344 pairs especially well with a cream cashmere jumper.
• The French roll accent: For evenings, a classic French roll held in place with two P344 barrettes — one at the top and one at the bottom of the roll — creates a polished, architectural silhouette. The dark brown or black acetate versions are particularly striking against silver or grey hair.

If you are new to vintage hair accessories, you might also enjoy exploring Store C14 Baskets: A Vintage Hair Accessory Collector’s Guide, which covers a different but equally wearable mid-century shape.

Caring for Your P344 Rectangle Barrette

Because the P344 is made from cellulose acetate, it requires a different approach to care than modern plastic accessories. Acetate is sensitive to heat and prolonged sunlight, which can cause it to warp or fade. Store your barrettes in a cool, dark place — a lined jewellery box or a fabric pouch works perfectly. Never leave them on a windowsill or inside a car on a warm day.

To clean a P344, wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth. If there is buildup of hair product or natural oils, dampen the cloth with a tiny amount of mild soap and water, then wipe the barrette and dry it immediately. Avoid soaking the metal spring mechanism. For deeper restoration — such as polishing out surface scratches — use a microfibre cloth and a drop of mineral oil, rubbing in small circular motions. Test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous spot first.

If the metal spring becomes tarnished, a silver polishing cloth (the type used for jewellery) can be applied carefully to the metal parts only, taking care not to touch the acetate. Do not use liquid silver dip, as it can damage the plastic.

Where to Find Store P344 Rectangle Barrettes

These barrettes appear with reasonable frequency at British vintage fairs, charity shops, and online marketplaces. Because they were produced in large numbers for several decades, they are still relatively affordable compared to more collectible hair accessories. Expect to pay between £8 and £25 for a good-condition example, depending on the colour and the clarity of the tortoiseshell pattern.

When buying online, ask the seller to photograph the spring mechanism from the side so you can check for rust or bending. Also request a photo of the barrette lying flat — acetate should be perfectly straight; any warping indicates that the piece has been exposed to heat and may not close properly.

One final note: if you find a P344 with a faded or cloudy surface, do not dismiss it. With gentle polishing, many of these barrettes can be brought back to life. The acetate that seemed dull after sixty years in a drawer often reveals a warm, translucent glow once the surface layer of oxidation is removed. That moment — when the pattern emerges clean and clear again — is one of the small joys of collecting British mid-century hair accessories.