The Store p435 Snowflake Hairclip: Identification, History, and Styling Tips

The Store p435 snowflake hairclip looks unremarkable in a raw HTML listing — just a product code, colour field, and a thumbnail. But for collectors of British hair accessories from the late 1960s to early 1980s, that code points to a specific piece: a die-stamped metal snowflake with six symmetrical arms, a raised central hub, and a faint "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamp on the back. It is not a flamboyant piece; it does not shout. Yet its precise geometry and restrained sparkle make it one of the most satisfying finds for anyone building a collection of seasonal British hair ornaments.

If you have just unearthed one from a charity shop in Kent or spotted a listing on a vintage marketplace, the details below will help you figure out exactly what you are holding — how to identify it, where it fits in the timeline of British hair accessories, and how to wear it today without veering into costume territory.

Decoding the Store p435 Code: What the HTML Tells Us

The “Store p435” prefix is a catalogue reference used by a now-defunct British wholesale distributor that supplied independent boutiques and department store accessory counters between approximately 1968 and 1985. Unlike the more famous numbered systems from French maisons, the British Store series was utilitarian — designed for stock control rather than prestige. Each code breaks down into three parts: the product category (p for personal accessories), the sequential design number (435), and the material or colour variant suffix (often absent in the basic listing, but sometimes appended as “-silver” or “-white”).

For the snowflake hairclip, the p435 designation points to a specific die-stamped metal base with six symmetrical arms, each terminating in a tiny rounded lobe. The central hub is slightly raised, and the reverse side bears a faint maker’s mark — usually “MADE IN ENGLAND” in a curved line, occasionally accompanied by a two-digit year code. Early examples (circa 1969–1972) were made from nickel silver with a rhodium flash; later runs from the mid-1970s switched to a less expensive brass core with a thick silver plate. The difference is discernible by weight and by the warm undertone visible on the edges after decades of wear.

Material and Construction: The Hallmarks of Quality

A genuine p435 snowflake clip feels substantial in the hand, even though it measures only about 3.5 centimetres across. The arms are not cut from sheet metal but are formed by a multi-stage stamping process that leaves a slight bevel on the upper surface. This bevel catches light differently depending on the angle, which is why the clip appears to shimmer gently rather than flash harshly — a deliberate design choice that kept it elegant for evening wear without looking like a Christmas bauble.

The clasp mechanism is a spring-loaded alligator clip, common in British hair accessories of the period. On early p435 examples, the spring is encased in a slim metal sleeve that runs the length of the clip’s spine. Later versions (post-1977) used a plastic-coated spring to reduce hair snagging — a small but meaningful improvement for the wearer. If you are examining a clip and the spring is exposed bare metal, you are likely holding an earlier, rarer variant.

The stones — and this is where collectors often get confused — are not crystals. They are pressed glass with an iridescent backing, a technique sometimes called “aurora borealis” in vintage jewellery catalogues. The effect is a soft blue-white shimmer that reads as natural snow sparkle rather than glitter. Over time, the backing can tarnish or flake, but even a slightly dulled p435 retains its charm; many collectors prefer the patinated look.

Placement in British Fashion History

The p435 snowflake clip emerged during a transitional period in British hair accessory design. The early 1970s saw a shift away from the sculptural, oversized clips of the late 1960s — think of the dramatic leaf and shell forms that defined the previous decade — toward smaller, more geometric motifs. The snowflake was a natural fit: it referenced the winter holidays without being overtly festive, and its six-fold symmetry appealed to the growing interest in Art Deco revival shapes.

Compare the p435 to its contemporaries. The Store p199 Leaf Hairclip: A Mid-Century British Accessory shares the same basic construction technique — stamped metal over a spring clip — but its organic form belongs to an earlier sensibility. The p435, by contrast, is unapologetically geometric. It is also smaller, which made it popular for secondary placement: worn at the temple to hold back a side section, or clustered in pairs on either side of a centre part.

During the late 1970s, the snowflake motif became a staple of British Christmas catalogues, but the p435 was never produced in large quantities. It appeared in the 1976 and 1979 seasonal supplements of one major London department store, then vanished from mainstream distribution. Most surviving examples were sold in small independent boutiques in the Home Counties and the Midlands. This limited geographical spread is why the clip remains relatively unknown outside dedicated collector circles.

How to Identify an Authentic p435

Reproduction snowflake clips are common, especially from the 1990s revival of 1970s styles. Here are the distinguishing features of a genuine Store p435:

• Back stamp: Look for “MADE IN ENGLAND” in a smooth, continuous curve. Reproductions often have straight or uneven lettering.
• Arm count: Exactly six arms, each with a rounded terminal. Fakes sometimes use eight arms or pointed tips.
• Clip spine: The spring housing should be either full metal sleeve (pre-1977) or black plastic-coated (post-1977). Never bare coiled wire.
• Stone setting: The glass stones are set in individual bezels, not glued onto the surface. Run your fingernail gently across the face — you should feel the metal edge of each bezel.
• Weight: Approximately 4–5 grams. Significantly lighter examples are likely aluminium or plastic.

Wearing the p435 Today

The p435 snowflake clip is surprisingly versatile. Its small size and neutral silver tone mean it does not compete with bold prints or heavy textures. Here are three ways to incorporate it into a modern wardrobe:

1. The Single Accent

Pin one clip at the temple, just behind the hairline, with the snowflake pointing diagonally outward. This works especially well with a sleek low ponytail or a deep side part. The clip adds a whisper of sparkle without dominating the look — ideal for daytime events where a full jewel accessory would feel overdressed.

2. The Cluster

If you own two or three p435 clips, wear them in a small constellation on one side of the head. Space them about two centimetres apart, varying the angle of each snowflake slightly. This creates a subtle pattern that catches light as you move. It is a favourite styling trick among vintage enthusiasts who want to reference the 1970s without looking costumed.

3. The Hidden Detail

Use a single clip to secure the inside layer of a half-up hairstyle, allowing a few strands to fall over it. The snowflake becomes a secret detail — visible only when the wind lifts your hair or when you turn your head. This approach is particularly effective with textured or wavy hair, as the clip tends to stay hidden until movement reveals it.

Care and Storage

The p435’s metal and glass construction is durable, but the iridescent stone backing is sensitive to moisture and prolonged sunlight. Store the clip in a dry, dark place — a fabric-lined jewellery box or a small cotton pouch works well. Avoid leaving it on a windowsill or inside a bathroom cabinet where humidity fluctuates.

If the clip becomes tarnished, do not use liquid silver polish. Instead, wipe the metal parts gently with a soft, dry jewellery cloth. For the glass stones, a barely damp cotton bud can remove dust from the bezel crevices, but let the clip air-dry completely before storing. Never submerge the clip in water; the spring mechanism can rust internally.

For those who also collect other British hair accessories from the same era, the storage principles are similar to those outlined in Storing Suede Espadrilles: A Vintage Lover's Care Guide, though the materials differ — the main principle is keeping consistent environmental conditions and handling delicate surfaces minimally.

Where to Find the p435 Today

Because the p435 was never mass-produced, it appears infrequently on resale platforms. Your best bets are UK-based vintage jewellery dealers who specialise in 1970s British accessories, or physical charity shops in the Home Counties — particularly those in towns that had a small independent boutique during the 1970s. Online auctions occasionally list it under generic descriptions like “vintage silver snowflake hair clip” or “1970s barrette,” so using the exact catalogue code as a search term can help you cut through the noise.

When you do find one, examine the clip spine carefully. A missing or broken spring is repairable by a competent jeweller, but the cost may exceed the clip’s market value (typically £15–£35 depending on condition). Clips with intact stones and a working spring are the best investment for both wear and collection.

A final note on authenticity: some sellers mistakenly list later 1990s reproductions as Store p435 because the snowflake shape is similar. The reproduction clips are usually lighter, have a duller finish, and lack the “MADE IN ENGLAND” stamp. If you are unsure, ask for a photograph of the reverse side and a weight measurement. A genuine p435 will always feel denser than it looks.