The Store P511 Star Hairclip: A Vintage British Treasure

Among the catalogued rarities of British mid-century hair accessories, the Store P511 star hairclip occupies a curious place. It is not a common find—most surviving examples surface at specialist vintage fairs in the Home Counties or tucked into job lots of costume jewellery sold online by unsuspecting estate sellers. The clip’s appeal lies in its clean, graphic silhouette: a five-pointed star rendered in warm tortoiseshell-effect resin, centred with a single faceted gold-tone stud. The back carries a spring-action metal clasp stamped with the code P511, a hallmark of a small London workshop that operated only between the late 1950s and early 1970s. To really get this clip, you need to look at the materials, the quirks in its construction, and how it actually sits in your hair.

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Materials and Craftsmanship: What Makes the P511 Special

The P511 is not a solid star cut from sheet metal. Instead, the star itself is moulded from a cellulose acetate compound that was popular in British accessory manufacturing before the widespread adoption of injection-moulded plastics. The colour varies from a deep amber to a lighter honey tone, depending on how much the resin has aged. Running your finger across the surface, you'll feel a very slight texture—left over from the hand-polishing process that gave each clip a slightly different sheen. The central stud is brass with a thin gold-plated finish; on well-preserved clips the plate still glows, while on more worn examples the brass shows through as a soft, warm blush.

The clasp mechanism is worth a closer look. Unlike the simpler alligator clips used on many 1960s barrettes, the P511 uses a tension spring housed in a cylindrical metal backing. When you squeeze the two sides, the star pivots open cleanly. A collector once told me that the spring on these clips rarely fails—the real weakness is the tiny rivet that holds the star to the base. If that rivet loosens, the star can tilt or detach entirely. When you inspect a P511, always check that the star sits level with the clasp and does not wobble.

Identifying an Authentic Store P511

Several similar star clips were produced in the same era—French makers often used enamel, while American versions leaned on painted metal. The British P511 is distinctive for three reasons:

• The code stamp: On the underside of the clasp, you will find “P511” impressed into the metal. The font is small and slightly uneven, typical of hand-stamped production.
• The acetate finish: Genuine examples show subtle colour variation—look for tiny swirls or darker streaks in the resin, evidence of the moulding process. A completely uniform colour usually indicates a modern reproduction.
• The star’s proportions: Each point of the star measures roughly 1.2 cm from centre to tip, and the overall width is about 3.8 cm. An oversized star (5 cm or more) belongs to a different maker.

If you find a clip that matches these details, you have likely discovered the real P511. The piece shares the same workshop lineage as the Kitty K Hair Clip, a 1960s British vintage original that uses an identical clasp mechanism but with a bow-shaped top. Knowing one helps you verify the other.

Styling the P511 with a Contemporary Wardrobe

Because the star clip is compact and its colour reads as a warm neutral, it integrates surprisingly well into modern outfits. The trick is to let the clip do the talking without competing with other bold accessories. I have seen it worn effectively in three ways:

• As a single accent on a low chignon. Gather hair into a loose bun at the nape, then slide the P511 in just above the hair tie. The star sits like a small brooch against the gathered hair.
• Side-swept with a deep part. Comb hair to one side, tuck the P511 into the hair above the ear, and let the star face outward. This works especially well with a silk scarf tied around the ponytail base—the warm tortoiseshell echoes the natural tones of a leopard or paisley print.
• Paired with a 1960s-inspired high ponytail. The height and volume of a bouffant ponytail give the star a playful, almost celestial lift. Keep makeup simple and let the clip provide the vintage touch.

For readers who enjoy layering accessories, the P511 also complements the Lola Pearl Hoop, a mid-century hair clip worth hunting for, especially when both are worn on the same side of the head. The contrast between the warm resin and cool pearl creates a balanced, collected look.

Caring for Your Vintage Star Clip

Cellulose acetate is a sensitive material. It can warp if exposed to prolonged heat or direct sunlight, and it may develop a white bloom (cloudiness) if stored in damp conditions. Here are practical steps to keep your P511 in good order:

• Store flat in a lined box. Never toss the clip loose into a bag where it can rub against keys or other metal objects—the gold plating on the stud is thin and scratches easily.
• Clean gently. Wipe the resin with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. If the clip seems sticky from old hairspray residue, lightly dampen the cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then wipe and dry immediately. Do not soak the acetate.
• Check the spring annually. Open and close the clip a few times every year to keep the mechanism moving. A spring that sits unused for decades can seize; gentle exercise prevents that.
• Avoid hair products near the clasp. Oils and styling creams can seep into the metal joint and attract dust. If you use pomade or leave-in conditioner, clip the star in after your hair is fully styled and dry.

The Hunt: Where and How to Find a P511

These clips were never produced in large numbers. The workshop that made them appears to have closed around 1972, and surviving stock was sold off through independent department stores in towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Guildford, and Cheltenham. Today, your best chances are:

• Vintage accessory specialist dealers at fairs like the Sunbury Antiques Market or the Ardingly International Antiques Fair. Ask specifically for “acetate star clips from the 1960s.”
• Online vintage jewellery shops that focus on British makers. Use search terms like “vintage tortoiseshell star hair clip” or “P511 hairclip” (include the code, as some sellers note it in descriptions).
• Estate sales in the South East of England, particularly those that feature a woman’s dressing table from the 1950s–60s. The clip often turns up alongside brooches and compact mirrors.

Prices vary: a P511 in excellent condition with a fully intact spring and no clouding on the acetate will typically sell for £18 to £30. A clip with a slight tilt from a loose rivet might be half that—and is often repairable by a jeweller who works with vintage findings.

When you do find one, take a moment to examine how the light catches the resin. The subtle depth of the acetate, the warm flecks within the tortoiseshell pattern, the quiet gleam of the stud—these details are what make the Store P511 more than just a thrifty accessory. But the real test is the rivet: if it's tight, the clip will sit level in your hair for decades to come. A quick check now saves a repair later, and then you can wear it with the same confidence as the woman who first bought it in a small department store in Tunbridge Wells.