The Store P97 Wicker Bag: History, Identification, and Styling for Vintage Hair Clips

The code store p97 is a quiet cipher among British vintage dealers. It designates a specific wicker basket bag produced in the 1960s and 1970s, often sold in seaside gift shops from Cornwall to the Norfolk coast. Unlike mass‑produced imports, these bags were hand‑woven from locally sourced rattan and cane, with a firm wooden base and a leather‑lined clasp. Their shape – a rounded basket with a domed lid – makes them an unexpectedly perfect companion for a collection of vintage hair accessories.

Wicker basket bags have long been associated with summer outings and picnics, but the store p97 was designed to be carried as a handbag. Its internal depth of about 15 cm and the absence of rigid compartments mean it can hold a surprising number of hair clips, barrettes, and scrunchies without crushing them. The woven walls allow air to circulate, which is especially important for accessories that incorporate feathers, velvet, or natural stones – materials that can deteriorate in airtight plastic boxes.

A Brief History of the Store P97

The origin of the store p97 code is still debated. Some catalogues from the late 1960s list it under “Novelty Baskets – Ladies’ Purses”. Others suggest it was a contract code for a chain of independent retailers in the West Country. What is certain is that the bag was produced using a traditional stake‑and‑strand weave, a technique that gives the wicker its characteristic strength and flexibility. The handle is a fixed arch of steamed and bent cane, reinforced with a thin leather wrap.

During the 1970s, these bags were often sold alongside straw hats and shell‑based jewellery. They offered a practical, decorative way to carry small treasures – and for today’s collector, they serve the same purpose for a collection of vintage hair ornaments.

Why Use a Wicker Basket Bag for Hair Accessories?

Most vintage hair clips and barrettes are delicate. A metal hair slide with a marcasite setting can scratch if stored loose in a drawer. A velvet‑covered clip can flatten if pressed under other items. The store p97 solves these problems:

• Breathability: Woven wicker allows air to move freely, reducing humidity that can tarnish metal findings.
• Soft interior: The unlined cane is smooth and non‑abrasive; you can place clips directly inside without worrying about scratches.
• Visible organisation: Open the lid and you can see every piece at a glance – no rummaging through a dark box.
• Portability: The sturdy handle lets you carry your favourite hair accessories to a vintage fair or a styling session.

Caring for Your Store P97 Wicker Bag

To keep the bag itself in good condition – and to protect the hair accessories inside – follow a few simple guidelines:

• Dust regularly: Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from the weave.
• Avoid moisture: Wicker is sensitive to water. If the bag gets damp, let it dry naturally away from direct heat.
• Store upright: Keep the bag on a shelf with the lid closed to prevent distortion of the shape.
• Line with tissue paper: If you are storing very delicate pieces (e.g., celluloid clips), place a layer of acid‑free tissue paper between the accessories and the cane.

For a deeper dive into storing specific vintage hair accessories, you might find the advice in How to Store a Vintage P330 Cowrie Shell Clip useful – the principles of breathability and gentle handling apply equally to a wicker basket bag.

Styling the Bag Itself

Beyond storage, the store p97 is a vintage accessory in its own right. Carried under the arm with a linen dress or a tweed jacket, it evokes the effortless seaside glamour of the 1960s. For editorial photographs or a themed event, you can fill it with hair clips that echo the same coastal mood – think shell‑shaped barrettes, starfish motifs, or tortoiseshell combs. One particularly fitting companion is the Vintage Starfish Hair Clip, which shares the same seaside heritage.

How to Identify an Authentic Store P97

Because the store p97 code was used only for a limited production run, original bags are becoming rarer. Look for these tell‑tale signs:

• A small paper label (usually faded) glued inside the lid, reading “Store p97” in black ink.
• Even, tight weaving with no gaps larger than 2 mm.
• A wooden base that is screwed (not nailed) into the cane.
• A leather‑lined metal clasp stamped “Made in England”.

If you find one at a charity shop or an online auction, examine the handle carefully – cracks in the cane are the most common flaw, but they can often be repaired with a thin coat of furniture wax and careful binding with cotton thread.

Practical Tips for Arranging Your Hair Accessories Inside

Once you have your store p97, the fun begins. Group your hair clips by era or colour. Use small organza pouches for very tiny items such as bobby pins with enamel flowers. Stand long hair forks vertically against the inner wall of the bag. The open interior gives you the freedom to create a little theatre of your collection – each time you lift the lid, you re‑experience the pleasure of discovery.

For collectors who attend vintage fairs, the bag doubles as a sales display. Lay a piece of dark velvet inside the open basket and arrange your hair clips on it. Potential buyers can see the pieces without handling them, and the wicker itself signals a love for authentic vintage craft. The bag often sparks conversations about the seaside shops where it was originally sold, adding a layer of story that buyers appreciate.