The Pink Serpent: A Collector’s Guide to the Store P606 Snake Hair Barrette

Among collectors of mid-century British hair accessories, the Store P606 snake hair barrette clip holds a peculiar allure. It is not a piece that shouts for attention; rather, it coils quietly in the memory of those who have seen its pink acetate body catch the light. The clip takes the form of a stylised serpent – a motif far less common in 1950s and 1960s hair jewellery than the ubiquitous bow or flower. The pink version, in particular, appears to have been a limited run, perhaps for a single season or a specific boutique. Its scarcity, combined with the sinuous silhouette, makes it a rewarding find for anyone who treasures the unusual.

Design and Materials: The Making of the p606

The p606 is constructed from a single piece of translucent pink acetate, moulded into the shape of a snake whose body curves into a functional spring clip. The acetate is not uniform; subtle swirls of lighter and deeper pink give the impression of scales. On close inspection, one can see tiny indentations that mimic the texture of a serpent’s skin – a detail achieved by pressing the warm material into a carved steel mould. The clip mechanism itself is a simple metal spring, often plated with a silver-toned finish that has mellowed to a soft pewter on well-preserved examples. The snake’s head is rendered with two tiny glass eyes, usually faceted to catch the light. These eyes are set into the acetate with a small metal bezel, a technique that speaks to the quality of mid-century costume jewellery.

The pink colour is particularly intriguing. Unlike the deep reds or clear tortoiseshell that dominate many vintage hair clips, this shade of pink – a dusty rose with hints of coral – was achieved by adding a specific pigment to the cellulose acetate before casting. Over decades, the colour may have shifted slightly, but original examples retain a warmth that synthetic modern pinks rarely match. The clip measures approximately 6 cm in length, making it substantial enough to hold a section of hair without being overwhelming.

The Serpent in British Hair Adornment

Snakes have slithered through jewellery design for centuries, but their appearance in hair accessories is less documented. In Victorian times, snake motifs were popular in bracelets and brooches, often symbolising eternal love or wisdom. The mid-century revival of the snake in hair clips, such as the p606, owes more to the fascination with natural forms that swept through British design in the 1950s. Designers looked to organic shapes – leaves, flowers, insects, and reptiles – as a reaction against the rigid geometry of wartime austerity. The snake, with its fluid line, lent itself perfectly to the curved silhouette of a hair barrette.

Interestingly, the p606 avoids the menacing quality many snake depictions carry. The pink colour and the slightly rounded head give it a friendly, almost whimsical character. It is a serpent that might have slithered out of a children’s storybook, not a Gothic horror. This gentle interpretation made it suitable for daywear, a quiet rebellion against the more formal hats and scarves that still dominated women’s hair in the early 1950s.

Styling the p606 for a Modern Wardrobe

Integrating a piece like the pink snake barrette into a contemporary outfit requires a light touch. The clip’s colour – that dusty rose – pairs beautifully with neutrals: cream, grey, navy, and especially with the soft denim of a well-worn jacket. One could wear it to secure a low side ponytail, letting the snake rest against the ear, or use it to hold back a section of hair while the rest falls loose. The clip is not intended for heavy-duty holding; it works best on medium to fine hair, or on thicker hair when used as an accent rather than the sole support.

For a more dramatic look, consider placing the p606 at the nape of the neck, holding a gathered section of hair in a small twist. The snake’s curve will echo the line of the neck, creating a subtle visual harmony. Because the clip is pink, it can also be worn as a playful counterpoint to a black velvet headband or a simple silk scarf. The key is to let the snake be the focal point – avoid competing with large earrings or bold necklaces.

Pairing with Other Vintage Accessories

The p606 belongs to a family of mid-century hair clips that share similar construction and colour palettes. Collectors often note that the pink acetate of the snake matches the tone found in certain other pieces from the same era. For example, the Bettie Lurex Triangle Clip Barrette – a mid-century design classic – sometimes appears in a comparable pink, though that piece is made of a different material and shape. If you have both, they can be worn together on opposite sides of the head for a coordinated vintage look.

Caring for Your Vintage Snake Clip

Acetate is a delicate material. It can become brittle with age, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures. The pink colour of the p606 is particularly susceptible to fading – a phenomenon that gives older clips a lighter, almost peach tone. To preserve the original shade, store the clip away from windows and strong light. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box is ideal. Avoid contact with hairspray, perfume, or any alcohol-based products, as these can cloud the acetate surface.

The metal spring mechanism should be checked occasionally. If the clip feels stiff, a tiny drop of sewing machine oil applied to the hinge with a toothpick can restore smooth movement. Do not force the clip open too wide, as the acetate may crack at the pivot point. For more detailed advice on preserving delicate vintage accessories, our guide on storing a velvet crown headband offers practical steps that apply equally to the p606.

• Keep away from prolonged sunlight to prevent colour fading.
• Wipe gently with a dry microfiber cloth after each wear.
• Never immerse in water or cleaning solutions.
• Store in a padded compartment, separate from metal jewellery that could scratch.
• If the glass eyes become loose, a dab of clear jeweller’s glue can secure them.

Identifying an Authentic p606

Because the p606 is a sought-after piece, reproductions have appeared. Authentic clips have a small mark on the inside of the spring – usually a tiny stamp reading “MADE IN ENGLAND” or a number code. The acetate should feel warm to the touch, not cold like modern acrylic. The glass eyes are set flush with the surface, whereas replicas often use plastic eyes that sit proud. The colour of the pink should have a subtle translucency; if it looks opaque or too uniform, it may be a later copy. Collectors advise examining the snake’s tail: on genuine clips, the tail tapers to a fine point and curls slightly under the clip, a detail that is difficult to replicate in cheaper moulds.

When you find an authentic p606, check that tail curl first. If it spirals under the clip in a perfect little loop, you’ve likely got a genuine piece. Keep it in a cool, dark drawer, away from perfume and bright light, and let it hold your hair the way it did for a 1950s shopgirl running out for a seaside stroll.