Decoding the Store p133 Beret Hearts Clip: A Collector’s Guide to British Vintage Hair Accessories

If you have ever browsed a vintage fair in the Cotswolds or scrolled through a dusty online album of British hair accessories, you may have glimpsed the cryptic code “store p133” stamped into the back of a small, beret-shaped clip. Those four digits, often followed by “beret hearts”, are a collector’s shorthand for one of the most charming mid-century hair ornaments: a metal clip in the form of a classic French beret, decorated with tiny hearts. Understanding this code is not just about decoding a label — it is about recognising a specific moment in British fashion when millinery details migrated from hats to hair accessories.

What Does “store p133” Actually Mean?

The “store” prefix appears on a family of clips, barrettes, and hair combs that were likely produced for a chain of British department stores or a single millinery supplier during the 1950s and early 1960s. Similar codes — such as p107, p108, p117, and p129 — appear on other vintage hair pieces, each likely representing a different stock-keeping unit (SKU) or a pattern number used by the manufacturer. In the case of p133, the motif is unmistakable: a beret silhouette paired with hearts. Unlike later mass‑produced imports, these clips were made with care — often hand-assembled in small workshops in Birmingham or London.

Identifying the Beret Hearts Clip

To recognise a genuine store p133 beret hearts clip, look for the following hallmarks:

• Shape: A rounded, slightly domed profile resembling a classic beret, typically 3 to 4 cm in diameter.
• Material: Most examples are gold‑toned or silver‑toned brass or base metal, occasionally with a light wash of enamel on the hearts.
• Heart details: Two or three small raised hearts are soldered or stamped onto the surface. The hearts may be plain, engraved with tiny lines, or filled with red enamel — a feature that adds a surprising pop of colour against the metal.
• Back mechanism: A spring‑loaded alligator clip or a snap‑on clamp. If the clip has a maker’s mark, it is often “Made in England” alongside the “store p133” stamp.
• Weight: Slightly heavier than modern plastic clips, because the metal is solid and the finish is often double‑plated to resist tarnish.

These clips were produced in a few colour variations: the most common is gold with red hearts, but silver with white enamel hearts also appears. A rare version uses tiny rhinestone hearts instead of enamel — those fetch higher prices among collectors.

Dating the Clip

The store p133 beret hearts clip belongs to the early‑to‑mid 1950s. Its silhouette mirrors the popular felt berets of the era, while the use of enamel on small decorative elements places it alongside the costume jewellery of that decade. Later 1960s clips tended to be larger, more abstract, or made of plastic. The beret shape, combined with the spring clip mechanism that grips hair firmly without damage, points to a time when women still expected accessories to stay put through a day of work and social engagements.

Why Berets and Hearts? A Note on British Millinery Influence

The beret was an everyday staple in British women’s wardrobes from the 1930s through the 1960s. Hatmakers often translated iconic hat shapes into hair accessories, allowing women to nod to current fashion without the formality of a full hat. Hearts, meanwhile, were a perennial favourite among jewellery designers — a symbol of affection that worked equally well on a Valentine’s Day pin or a springtime hair clip. Combining the two gave women a playful, wearable piece that could dress up a simple blouse or add a romantic touch to a tailored suit. For a deeper look at how similar motifs appear on other vintage accessories, you might be interested in our guide to Vintage Snowflake Hair Accessories: A Collector's Guide to British Craftsmanship, which shares the same attention to seasonal detail.

Styling the Store p133 Beret Hearts Clip Today

Because the clip is small and its colour palette is neutral (gold, silver, red, white), it works surprisingly well with a contemporary wardrobe. Here are three easy ways to wear it:

1. Side sweep: Gather your hair into a low side ponytail or half‑up style and clip the beret hearts above your temple. The rounded shape echoes the curve of your head and looks especially good with a centre part.
2. French twist accent: After twisting your hair into a low chignon, slide the clip into the centre of the twist so that the hearts sit just above the nape of your neck. This mimics the way a brooch might be worn on the back of a dress.
3. Lapel alternative: If your hair is too short or you prefer a different silhouette, the clip can double as a brooch on a tweed jacket or a cardigan. The spring mechanism grips fabric securely.

For a vintage‑inspired outfit, pair the clip with a high‑waisted skirt and a Peter Pan collar blouse. If you are layering a silk caftan over trousers, the beret hearts clip adds a subtle mid‑century touch without overwhelming the ensemble. The key is to let the clip be the focal point — keep other jewellery minimal and opt for neutral or monochrome clothing.

Caring for Your Beret Hearts Clip

Age and wear can dull the metal or chip the enamel. To preserve your find, follow these gentle steps:

• Cleaning: Wipe the metal with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove oils from hair. If tarnish appears, use a specialised non‑abrasive jewellery cloth — never dip the clip in liquid, as water can seep into the spring and cause rust.
• Enamel repair: If a heart loses its enamel, resist the urge to repaint it with nail polish. The original finish is kiln‑fired or baked; amateur repairs often look wrong and can reduce the clip’s value. A professional jewellery restorer who works with vintage pieces is your best option.
• Storage: Keep the clip in a felt pouch or a lined jewellery box, separate from other metal pieces. This prevents scratching and protects the clip from humidity.
• Spring care: If the clip feels stiff, apply a tiny drop of sewing machine oil to the hinge using a pin — then open and close it a few times to distribute the oil evenly. Wipe away any excess.

Collecting Notes and Where to Look

Store p133 beret hearts clips are uncommon but not impossible to find. They surface at British vintage fairs, car boot sales, and online marketplaces such as Etsy or eBay. Prices typically range from £15 to £45 depending on condition, rarity of the colour variant, and whether the original enamel is intact. Be wary of reproductions that use a simple moulded plastic beret with painted hearts — those lack the crisp stamp and the solid weight of the vintage original. Carefully check the back for the “store p133” engraving; if the numbers are shallow or uneven, it may be a later copy.

When you hold a genuine store p133 beret hearts clip in your hand, you are holding a piece of British fashion history that was once worn to a dance hall, a typing pool, or a Sunday church service. Each tiny heart was chosen to spark joy, and the beret shape was a nod to the Parisian influence that filtered through London’s millinery workshops. Treat it with care, wear it with confidence, and let its quiet charm remind you of an era when even a hair clip could tell a story.