The Store P370 Leaf Hair Clip: A Collector’s Guide to a British Vintage Icon

When you first hold a Store P370 leaf hair clip, the weight surprises you. Not heavy, but solid — a confident little object engineered to stay put. The leaf form, cast in a warm-toned metal alloy and often finished with a subtle antiqued patina, belongs to a specific moment in British accessory design: the late 1960s and early 1970s, when nature-inspired motifs swept through high-street jewellery and hair adornments alike. If you have recently acquired one from a car boot sale, a vintage fair, or an online marketplace, you have a piece of that botanical revival in your hands. Here's what makes the P370 special, how to date it, and how to wear it with modern clothes without losing its vintage soul.

What Exactly Is the Store P370 Leaf Hair Clip?

The catalogue reference "Store P370" appears on small paper tags once stapled to the clip's card backing. These tags, now often yellowed or missing, were used by British wholesalers and department stores in the post-war decades to track stock. The "P" likely stands for "pack" or "piece," and the number identifies the specific design. The clip itself is a spring-loaded metal barrette, roughly 6 to 7 centimetres long, with a sculpted leaf mounted on top. The leaf is usually an abstracted ivy or oak shape, with engraved vein lines running from stem to tip. The metal is most commonly a brass or copper alloy, sometimes silver-plated, and the finish can be gold-toned, silver-toned, or a darkened "pewter" effect that mimics aged bronze.

Materials and Construction: What to Look For

The P370 was produced during a period when British manufacturers still prioritised craftsmanship over cost-cutting. The clip mechanism is a classic alligator-style spring, with two rows of interlocking teeth that grip hair firmly without snagging. The spring is enclosed in a metal casing, and the leaf top is attached by two small rivets — a detail you can inspect from the underside. Authentic examples show clean rivet heads, not glue residue. The metal edges should feel smooth to the touch; sharp or uneven edges suggest a later reproduction or a damaged piece.

Metal Finishes You Are Likely to Encounter

• Gold plate: A warm, slightly brassy tone that oxidises gently over time. Look for wear on the high points of the leaf — the veins and the tip — which is normal and adds character.
• Silver plate: Cooler in tone, often with a matte or satin finish. Silver-plated examples may show small patches of brass colour where the plating has worn thin.
• Antiqued pewter: A dark grey-brown finish that highlights the leaf texture. This was a deliberate design choice, not a sign of tarnish, so do not try to polish it away.

How to Date Your P370 Leaf Clip

Without the original tag, you can still narrow down the decade. The P370 design language — organic, slightly sculptural, with a preference for abstracted natural forms — aligns with the mid-century modern aesthetic that lingered in British accessories into the early 1970s. The clip's spring mechanism, with its narrow teeth and rounded back, is consistent with barrettes made between 1965 and 1975. Earlier clips from the 1950s tend to have wider teeth and a heavier, more utilitarian feel. Later 1970s and 1980s clips often use cheaper plastic or thinner metal. The P370 is solidly mid-century in its construction.

If you have the tag, look for a small printed code. Some tags from the period include a two-digit year mark, such as "68" or "72." The paper itself is a clue: 1960s tags are usually off-white with a matte finish, while 1970s tags sometimes have a slight gloss. The font is typically a simple sans-serif, printed in black or dark brown ink.

Styling the P370 with a Contemporary Wardrobe

The leaf clip is surprisingly versatile. Its scale means it works well as a single statement piece, but it can also be paired with a second clip for a balanced look. Here are a few ways to wear it that honour its vintage roots while keeping your outfit current.

Everyday Elegance

Slide the clip into a low side-swept ponytail or a half-up twist. The leaf motif adds a subtle nod to nature without being costume-like. Pair it with a crisp white blouse, straight-leg jeans, and leather loafers. The contrast between the structured clip and relaxed clothing creates the kind of effortless polish that defined 1970s British style icons like Jane Birkin and Twiggy — though the clip itself is more grounded than glamorous.

Evening Texture

For a dinner out or a gallery opening, use the P370 to secure a deep side part in loose waves. The antiqued finish catches lamplight beautifully. Consider wearing it with a velvet blazer or a silk slip dress. The clip's botanical shape echoes the organic jewellery that appeared on the runways of Biba and Ossie Clark in the late 1960s. For more on the interplay between hair accessories and millinery in that era, take a look at The Store p129 Beret: A Collector's Guide to 1950s British Millinery, which explores how hats and clips shared design vocabulary.

Layering with Other Vintage Finds

If you collect multiple leaf clips, you can wear two of them side by side to create a symmetrical crown effect. This works especially well with updos or braided styles. The key is to position them so the leaves point toward each other or away, depending on the look you want. Experiment with the angle — a slightly tilted clip feels more spontaneous than a perfectly horizontal one.

Care and Preservation: Keeping the P370 in Good Condition

Vintage metal hair clips require different care than modern plastic ones. The P370's finish is delicate, and aggressive cleaning can strip the patina that gives it character. Follow these guidelines to keep your clip beautiful for another fifty years.

• Cleaning: Wipe the clip with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after each wear. This removes skin oils and hair product residue. For deeper cleaning, dampen the cloth slightly with water — never use jewellery cleaning solutions, baking soda, or vinegar, as these can damage the plating.
• Storage: Keep the clip in a fabric-lined jewellery box or a small cotton pouch. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, which can accelerate tarnishing. If you have multiple metal clips, separate them with soft cloth to prevent scratching.
• Spring maintenance: If the clip feels stiff or loose, do not oil it. Instead, gently open and close it several times to redistribute the tension. If the spring breaks, consult a jewellery repair specialist who works with vintage pieces — replacement springs are available, but the work requires precision.
• Tarnish: A gentle darkening over time is normal and desirable. If you prefer a brighter finish, use a polishing cloth designed for silver or gold plate, but test it on an inconspicuous area first. Never use abrasive pads.

Where to Find the P370 Today

The Store P370 leaf clip is not a rare museum piece, but it is increasingly sought after by collectors of British vintage accessories. You will find it most often at vintage fairs in cities like London, Brighton, and Bath, where dealers specialise in mid-century jewellery. Online platforms such as Etsy and eBay also list them, but be prepared to search carefully. Look for listings that include clear photos of the clip from all angles, especially the underside, so you can verify the construction. Prices typically range from £8 to £25, depending on condition and whether the original tag is present.

What to Avoid

Reproductions of the P370 do exist, usually made in Asia and sold as "vintage style" rather than genuine vintage. These copies often have a lighter weight, a shiny rather than matte finish, and a spring that feels flimsy. The leaf shape may be less defined, with shallow veins that look printed rather than engraved. If the clip feels too light or the metal has a uniform, almost plastic-like shine, it is likely a modern interpretation. Authenticity matters not because the clip is expensive, but because the original carries a history of British design and manufacturing that a reproduction simply cannot replicate.

The Leaf Motif in British Hair Accessory History

The leaf has been a recurring symbol in British adornment for centuries — from Celtic metalwork to Victorian mourning jewellery to the Arts and Crafts movement. In the 1960s and 1970s, the leaf motif re-emerged as part of a broader cultural turn toward nature, ecology, and handcrafted aesthetics. Designers like Barbara Hulanicki of Biba and the team at the Chelsea boutique Granny Takes a Trip embraced botanical forms as a counterpoint to the geometric, space-age styles of the early 1960s. The P370 leaf clip belongs to this later, more organic phase of mid-century design. It is not a statement of opulence but of connection — to the natural world, to craft traditions, and to a slower, more deliberate way of dressing.

If you are drawn to the P370, you might also enjoy exploring other nature-inspired hair accessories from the same period. The Store p107 Malena Dul Uno HTML: A Collector's Guide to a 1960s Hair Comb offers a fascinating look at how combs incorporated floral and leaf motifs, often with a similar attention to metalwork and finish.

A Final Practical Note on Sizing

The P370 is designed for medium to thick hair. If your hair is very fine or very thin, the clip may slip, especially in a ponytail. To improve grip, tease the section of hair where you plan to place the clip, or use a small amount of texturising spray. Alternatively, position the clip in a half-up style where the hair is less dense. For very thick or long hair, the clip can still work, but you may need to secure the base with a hair tie first and use the P370 as a decorative cover. Experiment with placement — the clip is forgiving and rewards patience.

Found your P370 in a dusty box at a Sussex antiques centre or inherited it from a relative who wore it to a 1970s garden party? Either way, look at the underside rivets next time you wear it — those tiny metal details connect you to a lost era of British manufacturing. Tuck it into a low ponytail and let the leaf catch the light; it's a small object with a quiet story, and now it's part of yours.