The Bottle Green Snake Barrette: A Vintage British Hair Accessory Worth Hunting For
The serpent coiled around a branch, a creature of both danger and wisdom, has slithered through British accessory design since the Victorian era. Yet few iterations capture the sinuous elegance of this motif as precisely as the Store P608 snake hair barrette clip in bottle green. This is not a piece that whispers; it announces itself with a quiet, reptilian confidence. The clip, measuring approximately 8 cm in length, features a stylised snake with a flattened head and a body that curves in a gentle S-shape, allowing it to grip the hair without pulling. The colour is a deep, translucent bottle green, reminiscent of old apothecary glass or the underside of a holly leaf in winter.
The bottle green finish is achieved through a combination of dyed cellulose acetate and a subtle metallic backing, typical of mid-century British hair accessories. The snake’s scales are suggested by faint etched lines rather than overt detailing, a restraint that gives the piece a modernist feel. It is a clip that could have been produced in the 1960s or early 1970s, when organic forms became popular in British fashion — think of Mary Quant’s geometric hair bands or Biba’s sinuous jewellery. Yet its exact provenance remains elusive, which adds to its allure for collectors.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The Store P608 is made primarily from cellulose acetate, a plant-based plastic that was widely used in British hair accessory manufacturing from the 1930s through to the 1970s. Unlike modern injection-moulded plastics, acetate has a warm, slightly lustrous feel and can be polished to a glass-like sheen. The bottle green colour is achieved by adding pigments to the acetate slurry before it is rolled into thin sheets. The sheet is then cut, shaped, and gently heated so that it can be formed into the serpentine curve. A metal spring clip, often nickel-plated or silver-toned, is riveted to the back. The clip itself is a work of engineering: the tension is carefully calibrated so that the barrette stays put in thick hair without causing headaches.
One of the hallmark signs of a genuine vintage piece is the way the colour appears to have depth — when you hold it up to the light, you can see subtle variations in the green, like the layers of a stained glass window. Modern reproductions tend to be uniformly opaque. The Store P608 also often bears a faint mould line along the edge, a remnant of the two-part moulding process used in the 1950s and 1960s. Collectors prize this imperfection as proof of authenticity.
The Snake Motif in British Hair Accessories
The snake has a long history in British jewellery, dating back to the mourning rings of the 18th century where the ouroboros (a snake eating its own tail) symbolised eternity. In the 1920s, Art Deco designers embraced the serpent as a sleek, geometric form. By the 1960s, the snake had transformed into a playful, almost cartoonish figure, as seen in the work of British designers like John Bates or the brand Maison Archives. The Store P608 sits somewhere between these eras: it has the fluidity of Art Nouveau and the practicality of mid-century modernity.
Interestingly, the bottle green colour palette was particularly popular in Britain during the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the Carnaby Street aesthetic favoured deep jewel tones. A bottle green snake barrette would have complemented a mustard yellow turtleneck or a burnt orange corduroy jacket. Today, it works beautifully against a simple white blouse or a neutral cashmere jumper, adding a pop of colour that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Styling the Snake Barrette with a Modern Wardrobe
Vintage hair accessories often feel like museum pieces, but the Store P608 is remarkably wearable. Its elongated shape means it can hold a half-up twist or secure a low chignon with one confident clip. For a casual day, slide it into a deep side part to keep a curtain bang in place. For evening, use it to fasten a sleek low ponytail at the nape of the neck — the bottle green reads almost black in low light, then flashes a rich emerald when you turn your head.
Pair the clip with woven textures: a chunky cable-knit sweater, a tweed blazer, or a linen dress. Avoid shiny metallics near it unless you are going for a deliberate clash — the matte finish of the acetate works best with natural fibres. If you own a vintage green handbag or a pair of bottle green leather loafers, repeat the colour for a pulled-together look. The snake barrette is not a shy accessory; treat it as a focal point, not an afterthought.
Bereffi and Authenticity: What to Look For
When hunting for a genuine Store P608 on eBay or at a vintage fair, check for a small embossed mark on the inside of the metal clip. Some examples have a faint “UK” or a number like “P608” — though the latter may be a cataloguing code added by a later dealer. The absence of a mark does not necessarily mean it is a reproduction; many small British manufacturers did not stamp their products. Instead, trust the feel. The acetate should be smooth to the touch but not slippery; the clip should open with a firm, satisfying click. If the metal has a matte, slightly grey finish, it is likely original nickel plate. Polished silver or gold tones suggest a later version.
Beware of clips that are too light. The Store P608 has a satisfying heft, around 15 grams, due to the thickness of the acetate and the metal spring. A flimsy copy will feel hollow. Also examine the pivot point of the clip — vintage clips often have a small screw that can be tightened with a jeweller’s screwdriver, whereas modern clips are riveted shut. That screw is a sign of quality and repairability.
Care and Storage: Keeping the Lustre Alive
Cellulose acetate is a natural material that can react to heat, humidity, and sunlight. Over time, it may cloud or develop a white bloom. To prevent this, store your bottle green snake barrette in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box works well. Avoid keeping it in a bathroom where steam can cause the acetate to warp.
If the clip becomes dull, wipe it gently with a dry, soft cloth. For stubborn residue, use a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild dish soap, then dry immediately. Never use alcohol or acetone, as these will dissolve the acetate. The metal clip can be polished with a jewellery cloth, but be careful not to snag the fabric on the edges. For more detailed advice on caring for precious vintage accessories, our guide on How to Store Jade Hoop Earrings: A Care Guide for Store P310 offers principles that apply equally to hair clips — especially the importance of consistent temperature and avoiding harsh chemicals.
A Note on the Colour: What Makes Bottle Green So Special
Bottle green is not a single shade; it ranges from the dark olive of a wine bottle to the near-black of a deep sea. The Store P608 leans toward the latter — a rich, almost viscous green that seems to hold light within its depths. In the 1970s, bottle green was a favourite of British brands like Liberty and Jaeger, often used in their iconic silk scarves. To wear this colour near the face is to invite a certain gravitas; it brightens blue and hazel eyes and softens pale skin tones. The snake barrette, with its organic curve, becomes a small sculpture that frames the face.
If you are looking to start a collection of vintage hair accessories, pieces in bottle green are rarer than tortoiseshell or black. They also pair well with other vintage finds — a checkered claw clip from the same era, or a velvet scrunchy in a complementary hue. But the snake barrette stands on its own as a statement piece that transcends fads.
Final Practical Detail: How to Wear It in Thick or Fine Hair
The spring mechanism on the Store P608 is designed for medium to thick hair. If your hair is fine, place a small hair elastic under the clip to give it something to grip. If your hair is very thick, slide the barrette through a section of hair that has been twisted, then close it. The snake’s curved body will hold the twist securely without needing bobby pins. For extra hold, use two clips in parallel — though the P608 works beautifully as a single accent.
One final curiosity: the inside of the clip sometimes bears the faint imprint of a number, “608”, which may refer to a production batch or a retail code from the now-defunct chain of boutique shops that stocked it. If you find one with that mark, you have a piece of British retail history as well as a handsome hair accessory. Treat it gently, wear it often, and let the serpent add its quiet magic to your everyday style.