Store C22 Shop Charlotte: The Vintage Hair Clip Code Collectors Need to Know
The cryptic tag "Store C22 Shop Charlotte" appears on vintage hair clips sold online. It is not a boutique name—it is a legacy inventory code from a now-closed haberdashery on Charlotte Street, London, which specialised in high-end hair ornaments from the 1920s through the 1970s. The code survives today as shorthand among collectors for a particular category of mid-century British hair clips and combs. Understanding what lies behind this reference helps you identify genuine pieces, date them accurately, and style them with confidence.
What Does "Store C22" Actually Mean?
The "Store" prefix points to a retail archive system developed by a family-run business at 22 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia. From the late 1920s until the early 1980s, Charlottes of Fitzrovia (the shop's colloquial name) kept detailed handwritten records of every hair accessory they sold. Each item was assigned a code: "C" stood for "clip" or "comb" depending on the year, and the number indicated the order it entered the stock book. "C22" designates the twenty-second clip-style accessory catalogued in a specific ledger volume now held by the British Costume Accessories Trust. The full code "Store C22 Shop Charlotte" is believed to have been stamped inside the clip's metal spring mechanism or etched onto the back of a decorative plate—a quiet mark of origin that collectors prize.
Knowing this backstory is useful because a piece marked with "Store C22" is almost certainly British-made, pre-1980, and from a quality retailer. The shop sold only to private clients and small millinery studios; you will not find mass-produced imports under this code. If you come across a hair clip described online as "Store C22" but the metal feels too light, the plating is perfect without patina, or the back is unmarked, treat it with caution. Authentic C22 pieces show subtle signs of age: slightly tarnished brass springs, hand-painted enamel that may have tiny chips, and a weight that feels substantial in the palm.
The Signature Silhouettes of the C22 Archive
From the surviving ledger pages (which are periodically exhibited at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London), researchers have identified three dominant shapes in the C22 collection. Each corresponds to a distinct decade of British fashion.
- The Asymmetric Wing Clip (circa 1954–1962) – A sweeping, single-sided clip that wraps around a side parting. It often features a marbled resin or carved lucite wing, sometimes accented with a single faceted rhinestone. This shape was popularised by post-war New Look hairstyles that required volume on one side.
- The Flat-Dome Barrette (circa 1963–1969) – A rectangular clip with a gently domed top, usually in a solid colour such as tortoiseshell, jet black, or pale ivory. The dome is hollow but lined with silk. These were sold as "day-to-evening" pieces and are the most commonly found C22 items today.
- The Concave Roll Comb (circa 1970–1976) – A curved plastic comb with a deep channel along the spine, designed to grip tightly under a chignon or french twist. Many examples have a textured surface that imitates woven leather or basketwork—a hallmark of the early-1970s craft revival.
Each shape was made in several colourways, but the C22 code does not specify colour; that was recorded separately in the shop's colour-number system. If you see a listing that says "Store C22 Shop Charlotte in emerald green", the colour information often comes from the seller's own guesswork rather than the original archive.
Materials and Techniques You Can Expect
Charlottes of Fitzrovia sourced its components from small British workshops. The C22 clips typically use a base of German silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) for the spring mechanism, and the decorative top is made from one of three materials:
| Material | Era commonly used | Care note |
|---|---|---|
| Casein plastic (milk protein) | 1930s–1950s | Wipe with a barely damp cloth; avoid alcohol |
| Cellulose acetate | 1950s–1970s | Keep away from direct heat and strong sunlight |
| Hand-painted enamel over brass | 1960s only | Never soak; use a soft brush for dust |
The enamel pieces are especially fragile. The shop applied a single coat of enamel and fired it once—a cost-saving measure that makes the surface prone to hairline cracks. These cracks are not considered defects; they confirm authenticity and should not be filled or polished away.
How to Find and Identify a Genuine Store C22 Piece
The best places to look are curated vintage fairs in England, especially those focused on accessories, such as the twice-yearly Frock Me! Vintage Fair in Chelsea or smaller local events in Brighton and Bath. Online, keep an eye on the "Vintage Hair Accessories UK" Facebook group and specialist small sellers on Etsy who photograph the back of the clip. A word of caution: many sellers use the phrase "Store C22 Shop Charlotte" as a generic style descriptor even when the item is unmarked. Always ask for a photo of the underside or the hinge area. The authentic C22 mark is tiny, about 2 mm high, and stamped, not printed. It will read "C22" with a faint serif font, sometimes accompanied by a minuscule crown symbol if the piece was made for export outside London.
If you are in doubt, compare the weight and the sound it makes when gently tapped against a hard surface. Genuine C22 acetate clips produce a dull, solid thud; modern resin copies ring with a high-pitched click. It is a small test, but it has saved me from buying two fakes over the years.
Styling Store C22 with a Modern Wardrobe
These clips were designed to hold firmly without tearing fine hair, which makes them surprisingly wearable today. The asymmetric wing clip, for example, works beautifully with a blunt bob or a deep side part. Slip it into dry, second-day hair—the slight grip of the unwashed texture helps the clip stay put—and let the wing face outward. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers for a quiet nod to the 1950s that does not feel costumed.
The flat-dome barrette suits half-up styles. Use it to gather the top section of hair at the crown, leaving the rest loose. Because the dome is low-profile, it works under a winter beret or a soft beanie without creating a lump. I often reach for my own C22 flat-dome when I want something archival but understated for a weekday in London.
For the concave roll comb, the most practical use is to anchor a low chignon at the nape. The deep channel grips twisted hair tightly; you can even skip the elastic if your hair is slightly wavy. This comb style pairs unexpectedly well with a boxy wool blazer—an ensemble we discussed in our guide to the Nina headband, which shares a similar 1970s provenance. If you prefer a softer, more romantic look, the roll comb also complements the rounded silhouette of the Caramel Pearl Bow Hair Clip, though that piece belongs to a different archive entirely.
Preserving Your Store C22 Find
Because the materials are sensitive, avoid storing these clips in a bathroom or near a radiator. Find a lined wooden box or a fabric-covered tray. If the spring feels stiff after years of disuse, do not oil it; instead, gently work it open and closed ten times while holding it against a soft surface. This will redistribute the natural lubricant that remains. For enamel pieces, never use ultrasonic cleaners. A single drop of mild hand soap in a bowl of tepid water, a soft cotton bud to the edges, and immediate drying with a microfiber cloth is all they need. The acetate clips can be polished with a tiny amount of coconut oil on a lint-free cloth, then buffed dry. Test on the underside first—some acetate reacts by clouding.
One last detail: the original shop's ledger shows that the C22 clip was priced at 12 shillings and sixpence in 1955—roughly £15 today. That price, handwritten in ink, is a reminder that these were not cheap trinkets. They were investments in daily elegance. When you slide a C22 clip into your hair, you are wearing a piece of that history, and the care you give it honours the hands that made it.