The Store P136 Beret Hearts Clip: A Vintage British Hair Accessory Guide
The code “store p136” stamped on a small beret-shaped hair clip with tiny hearts is a manufacturer’s number from a mid-20th-century British accessory maker, likely from the 1950s or early 1960s. If you’ve ever sifted through a box of vintage hair accessories at a British flea market, you might have come across one. The piece—often listed online with the baffling suffix “html”—is one of those quiet treasures that rarely makes it into glossy fashion retrospectives but holds a devoted following among collectors. Understanding its origins, materials, and how to wear it today can turn a chance find into a cherished part of your wardrobe.
Decoding the Code: What Does “store p136 beret hearts html” Mean?
The “store p136” marking is a manufacturer or pattern number used by mid-20th-century British accessory makers, most likely from the 1950s or early 1960s. Similar codes appear on other hair clips, brooches, and small leather goods—each number corresponds to a specific design or production batch. The “beret” refers to the rounded, cap-like shape of the clip’s main body, which mimics the silhouette of a classic French beret but scaled down to sit on a lock of hair. “Hearts” describes the decorative motif: two or three tiny red or gold hearts nestled on the beret’s surface. The “html” suffix is a digital artifact—likely added by a reseller or cataloguing system to indicate an HTML page—but it has become part of the item’s nickname among online collectors.
If you are familiar with other numbered store pieces, you will notice that the p136 shares design DNA with earlier beret clips like the Store p129 Beret Hearts, which features a slightly flatter profile and smaller heart appliqués. The p136 appears to be a later iteration, with a deeper crown and a more pronounced heart placement, suggesting an evolution in both moulding techniques and aesthetic preferences.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Most store p136 beret hearts clips are made from injection-moulded plastic—either cellulose acetate or polystyrene—which was affordable and easy to colour. The base is typically black, tortoiseshell, or a deep navy, while the hearts are applied as separate pieces: often red or pink enamel over a stamped metal core, or sometimes painted directly onto the plastic. The clip mechanism is a simple spring-loaded metal bar, common to mid-century barrettes, and the back is usually stamped with the “store p136” mark and a tiny “Made in England” or “British Made” imprint.
Quality varies. Some examples have hearts that are slightly raised and glossy, with crisp edges; others show wear where the enamel has chipped away, revealing the brass or silver-tone metal underneath. The plastic itself can develop a fine craquelure over decades, especially if stored in damp conditions. A well-preserved p136 will have smooth, unblemished plastic and hearts that still hold their colour. Because the hearts are small and attached with adhesive or a tiny pin, they are prone to falling off—so when you find one with all hearts intact, consider it a lucky catch.
The Heart Motif in British Hair Accessories
Hearts have been a recurring symbol in British hair accessories since at least the Victorian era, often representing love, friendship, or sentimental keepsakes. In the mid-20th century, heart motifs became especially popular on beret-style clips, perhaps because the round beret shape naturally echoed the heart’s curves. The p136 beret hearts clip belongs to a family of accessories that includes the Store P127 Beret Love, which substitutes a single large heart for the cluster, and the earlier p129 with its smaller hearts. Together, these pieces illustrate how designers played with scale and placement to create distinct variations on a theme.
Collectors often group these clips by the number and arrangement of hearts: a “two-heart” p136 (one heart slightly overlapping another) versus a “three-heart” version (stacked in a vertical line). The three-heart variant is rarer and commands higher prices at vintage fairs. The hearts themselves can be solid enamel or have a tiny rhinestone in the centre—though the p136 almost never includes rhinestones, keeping its look deliberately simple and sweet.
Styling the p136 Beret Today
Despite its mid-century origins, the store p136 beret hearts clip fits surprisingly well into a modern, mindful wardrobe. Its small size—about 3 cm across—makes it ideal for securing a side-swept section of hair or pinning back a fringe. Because the beret shape is rounded and not overly ornate, it works with both casual and dressy looks. Try pairing it with a simple white blouse and high-waisted trousers for a 1950s-inspired daytime outfit, or use it to add a playful touch to a sleek low bun for evening.
The key is to let the clip be the focal point. Avoid competing with large earrings or a busy print. If your hair is very fine, the spring clip may slip—a tiny dab of hairspray on the clip’s teeth or a small velvet pad (available from specialist haberdashers) can improve grip without damaging the accessory. For thicker hair, the p136 works best as a decorative accent rather than a functional holder; you can secure the hair first with a plain bobby pin and then clip the beret over it.
Care and Preservation
Vintage plastic requires gentle treatment. Never soak a store p136 in water or use harsh cleaning solvents, as they can cloud the surface or dissolve the adhesive holding the hearts. Instead, wipe the clip with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after each wear to remove oils and dust. If the hearts have lost their lustre, a very light application of Renaissance Wax (sold for antique metal and wood) on the enamel only can restore a soft sheen—but test on an inconspicuous spot first.
Store the clip flat in a padded box or a fabric-lined drawer, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Sunlight can fade the plastic base and alter the heart colours, especially reds and pinks. If you own multiple p136 variants, consider grouping them by colour or heart count in a compartmentalised display case; this not only protects them but also makes it easy to choose one for the day.
Should a heart become loose, resist the urge to superglue it back immediately. Many hearts are held by a tiny metal prong that fits into a pre-drilled hole. A jeweller or a skilled repairer of vintage accessories can re-seat the heart properly without damaging the clip. If you attempt a DIY fix, use a minimal amount of clear epoxy and clamp gently for 24 hours.
Where to Find and How to Spot a Genuine p136
The store p136 beret hearts clip appears regularly on British online marketplaces, at vintage fairs in towns like Brighton, Portobello Road, and the Edinburgh Vintage Market, and occasionally in charity shops. Prices range from £8 to £25 depending on condition and heart count. A clip with all hearts present, no cracks in the plastic, and a legible “store p136” stamp is the ideal. Beware of later reproductions that mimic the shape but lack the stamp or use cheaper plastic with a strong chemical smell—those are modern homages, not originals.
When inspecting a potential purchase, hold the clip up to the light. Original acetate has a slight translucency and a warm, amber tone on tortoiseshell variants. Also check the spring mechanism: a genuine vintage clip will have a brass or steel spring that may show patina but should still close firmly. If the spring is shiny and new-looking, the clip may have been repaired or swapped, which does not devalue it but is worth knowing.
Finally, remember that the “html” in the name is just a digital quirk—it does not affect the item’s authenticity. Embrace it as part of the story. The next time you spot one at a flea market, try the light test and check the spring. If it passes, that little beret with hearts might just become your new favourite conversation starter.