The store p137 Beret Spots: A Vintage Hair Clip with Polka Dots
Last autumn, a small silver-toned clip turned up at a flea market in Brighton. Its back was stamped with the cryptic code store p137, and its face was covered in crisp white polka dots against a deep navy enamel. The seller called it a “beret clip,” and the shape did indeed mimic the soft crown of a French-style beret. For collectors of British vintage hair accessories, such a find raises immediate questions: what does the code mean, when was it made, and how should we wear it today? Let's piece together the clues behind the store p137 beret spots — a charming, mid-century piece that deserves a spot in any thoughtful wardrobe.
Decoding the ‘store p137’ Mark
The phrase “store p137” is not a brand name but a stock or catalogue number used by a British wholesaler or department store. In the post-war decades, many small manufacturers produced hair accessories for retailers such as Woolworth’s, Marks & Spencer, or regional haberdasheries. Each batch was assigned a code — often prefixed with “store” or “stock” — to track inventory across counters. The “p” likely stands for “pattern” or “price,” and the digits indicate the specific design. Similar codes appear on other vintage pieces, such as the Snake Beret: A 1920s Art Deco Accessory That Still Bites, though that piece belongs to an earlier era. The store p137 beret spots probably dates from the late 1950s to early 1960s, when enamel-coated metal clips were at their peak popularity in Britain.
The Allure of Spots: A British Polka-Dot Tradition
Polka dots have a long history in British fashion, from the 1920s flapper dresses to the 1950s rockabilly revival. On a hair clip, the pattern offers a playful contrast to the structured beret silhouette. The spots on the store p137 are small, evenly spaced, and hand-painted (or applied as decals) over a glossy enamel base. Common colour combinations include navy with white, black with cream, or red with white — all echoing the polka-dot scarves and dresses of the era. The beret shape itself, with its rounded top and narrow base, was a favourite among young women who wanted a touch of Parisian chic without committing to a full hat. The clip mechanism is a simple spring clamp, designed to grip a section of hair securely without damaging it.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Most store p137 beret clips are made from a base of brass or steel, plated with silver or gold tone. The enamel is cold-enamel resin — a durable, colourful finish that resists chipping if handled gently. The spots are applied using a stencil or a tiny brush; slight irregularities in their spacing are a hallmark of hand-finishing. The spring mechanism is riveted to the back, often with a small maker’s mark (though many remain anonymous).
Because these clips were mass-produced for the high street, they are not rare in the way that couture pieces are. But they are increasingly sought after by vintage enthusiasts who appreciate their honest, well-made character.
Styling a Spotted Beret Clip Today
The store p137 beret spots works beautifully as a focal point in a simple hairstyle. Here are three ways to incorporate it into a modern look:
- Low side sweep: Clip it to one side of a deep side part, letting the spots peek out from behind the ear. Pair with a plain navy or cream sweater to echo the colours.
- Half-up twist: Gather the top section of hair into a loose twist and secure the clip at the crown. The beret shape sits like a tiny hat, adding structure without weight.
- French roll accent: Tuck the clip into the fold of a classic French roll for a polished 1950s-inspired finish. The spots break up the solid line of the roll.
Let the clip do the talking — keep other accessories minimal. A pair of small pearl studs or a simple leather watch complements the vintage feel without competing.
Care and Preservation
- Avoid water. Remove the clip before washing your face or hair. Moisture can seep under the enamel and cause lifting.
- Store separately. Keep the clip in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box. Metal-to-metal contact can scratch the enamel.
- Clean gently. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe off hairspray or oils. If needed, dampen the cloth very slightly with distilled water and dry immediately.
- Check the spring. If the clip becomes loose, a jeweller can tighten the rivet. Do not attempt to bend the metal yourself — it may snap.
With care, these clips can last for decades. Many have already survived sixty years and still open and close with a satisfying snap.
How to Identify a Genuine Store p137
Reproductions of mid-century hair clips are common, but the store p137 beret spots has a few telltale signs of authenticity. The stamp on the back is pressed into the metal, not painted or laser-etched. The enamel has a slight gloss and may show tiny bubbles or brush marks under magnification. The spring is made of flat steel, not round wire. And the overall weight feels substantial — these clips were made to hold thick hair, not just decorative. If you come across a clip with the same code but a different pattern (for example, stripes or a solid colour), it likely belongs to the same production line. Collectors sometimes refer to the whole series as “store p13x” clips.
One final detail: the beret shape on the store p137 is slightly asymmetrical — the left side is a touch wider than the right. This was a deliberate design to create a more natural silhouette when worn on the left side of the head. Check your clip against that feature; it is a mark of the original tooling.