Decoding the ‘p106 Malena Dul Uno HTML’ Label on Vintage Hair Combs

What Is the Store p106 Malena Dul Uno HTML Code?

The cryptic phrase "Store p106 Malena Dul Uno HTML" is not a web address or a forgotten bit of internet history. It is a cataloguing code used by a small, now-defunct London atelier that operated between the late 1940s and the early 1960s. The “p106” denotes a specific product series, “Malena Dul Uno” is the name of the designer or workshop line, and “HTML” here stands for “Handcrafted Traditional Materials List” – an internal system that recorded the materials and construction methods for each piece. Understanding this code can help you identify rare, high-quality vintage hair accessories and avoid common misidentifications.

Breaking Down the Code: p106

The “p” stands for “period” – a broad stylistic era in the atelier’s production timeline. The number 106 indicates the sixth design in the tenth series, placing it around the spring collection of 1954. Collectors who have studied the archive note that pieces in the p100 series are characterized by Art Nouveau-inspired flowing curves, while p106 specifically introduced a more sculptural, almost architectural silhouette. The combs in this series measure approximately three inches across and feature five asymmetrically placed teeth, a detail that makes them instantly recognizable to seasoned collectors.

Materials for p106 pieces were chosen with care: most surviving examples are made from vintage celluloid in a deep amber tone, though a few rare versions exist in black French horn. The original “HTML” record for p106 lists the comb as being hand-carved and polished with beeswax, then fitted with a small brass filigree accent. That metal component often corrodes over decades, so many p106 combs found today have lost their brass detail – a restoration opportunity, but also a point to verify authenticity when buying.

Who Was Malena Dul Uno?

The name “Malena Dul Uno” belongs to a designer who trained at the Royal College of Art in the 1930s and later established a small workshop in Soho. Unlike the large hat and accessory houses of the time, Dul Uno focused exclusively on hair accessories, producing combs, barrettes, and small headbands for women who wanted refined, wearable art. Her designs often incorporated motifs from British flora and fauna – p106 is said to be inspired by the shape of a horse chestnut leaf. The atelier folded in 1962 when the owner retired, and no successor took over the archive, which is why surviving pieces are relatively scarce and prized among collectors.

Why the HTML Code Matters for Collectors

Because the Malena Dul Uno workshop kept such meticulous records, the “HTML” suffix is more than a collector’s curiosity – it is a guarantee of provenance. When you see a listing that includes the full code, you can cross-reference it with known descriptions from the atelier’s surviving ledgers (some of which have been digitised by private enthusiasts). For example, the ledger entry for p106 confirms that each comb was sold in a small linen pouch printed with the designer’s monogram. Finding a comb with its original pouch significantly increases its value and historical interest.

For those who acquire a p106 piece without the original packaging, the code still provides useful information: the material and finishing techniques are documented, so you can replicate the correct care regimen. Celluloid, for instance, requires stable humidity and protection from direct sunlight, while the brass filigree – if present – needs occasional gentle polishing with a dry microfiber cloth.

Identifying and Authenticating a p106 Comb

Given the popularity of vintage hair accessories, reproductions do appear from time to time. Here are a few key markers to check when you suspect you have found a genuine Malena Dul Uno p106:

• Weight and feel: The celluloid used in the 1950s was denser than modern plastics. A genuine p106 comb should feel substantial but not heavy, with a slight warmth to the touch.
• Edge finish: Hand-carved pieces show subtle, irregular bevels along the teeth, whereas machine-moulded copies have uniformly sharp edges.
• Markings: Original pieces are stamped on the underside of the decorative top with a tiny “MDU” inside an oval. This mark is often faint, so use a magnifying glass.
• Acetate smell: If you gently warm the comb with your breath, vintage celluloid releases a faint camphor odour – a natural signature from the nitrocellulose base.

If you are still uncertain, compare your piece against photographs from trusted collector forums. The Sidney Braided Headband, another British vintage design, shares a similar material palette (amber-toned resin and brass), though its construction is entirely different – a useful side-by-side study for learning to spot subtle differences in craftsmanship.

Caring for Your p106 Malena Dul Uno Comb

Proper storage is essential for preserving any vintage hair accessory, but pieces from the 1950s require extra attention because of the materials used. Celluloid is notoriously flammable and prone to decomposition if exposed to heat or fluctuating humidity. Keep your p106 comb away from radiators, hair dryers, and direct sunlight. A padded compartment in a jewellery box, lined with acid-free tissue, works well. For the brass filigree, avoid liquid cleaners; instead, use a soft brush to remove dust.

When it comes to wearing the comb, treat it as a delicate ornament rather than a functional hair-holder. Slide it into dry, clean hair and avoid pulling or twisting. Many collectors reserve such pieces for special occasions or display them in a shadow box alongside a photograph of the original atelier.

Finding and Buying a p106 Today

Because the Malena Dul Uno archive is small, p106 combs surface only a few times a year, usually at specialist vintage fairs in London or through online auctions that cater to accessory collectors. Expect to pay between £80 and £250 depending on condition, with complete examples (including the linen pouch and any original paperwork) commanding the higher end. Before purchasing, request detailed photos of the stamp and any metal components. If a seller cannot explain the “HTML” part of the code, be cautious – genuine pieces come with a story that knowledgeable dealers are happy to share.

Start your hunt on the Antique Collectors' Club forum or at the annual Portobello Road vintage fair. Dealer Margaret Blackwood has handled three of the last five authentic p106 combs sold; she usually lists on a private mailing list before going public. Reach out to her directly if you want a chance before the listing hits the open market. Each find is a small piece of design history – no reproduction can match the weight of a comb that a woman in 1954 actually wore.