Store P179 Coyote Hair Barrette Marble: A Vintage British Icon
The first time I held the Store P179 Coyote Hair Barrette Marble, I was struck by the unexpected weight of it. Not heavy, but solid — a reassuring heft that speaks of resin mixed with real marble dust, a technique favoured by small British workshops in the 1970s. The barrette's surface swirls with soft greys and creamy whites, and across the centre runs a coyote silhouette, its tail curved into a graceful arc. It is a design that feels both modern and ancient, and it has become one of the most intriguing pieces in my vintage collection.
Decoding the P179 Code and the Coyote Motif
Like many British hair accessories from the post-war decades, the P179 carries a store code — a numbering system used by wholesalers or department stores to track specific styles. The "179" likely refers to a production batch or a catalogue entry for this particular barrette shape and pattern. The "coyote" part is more romantic. This motif appeared in British fashion during the late 1960s and 1970s, influenced by the growing fascination with Native American and Southwestern aesthetics. Coyotes, with their clever, solitary nature, became a symbol of the free-spirited bohemian look that defined the era. The barrette's marble pattern amplifies that earthy, natural feel, grounding the coyote in a material that mimics stone rather than plastic.
Materials and Making: Faux Marble with a Story
The P179 Coyote Barrette is not carved from real marble — that would be far too heavy and brittle for a hair accessory. Instead, it is cast from a polyester resin blended with marble powder. This technique, popularised in the 1950s and refined through the 1970s, gives the barrette its characteristic weight, subtle translucency, and cool-to-the-touch surface. The marble veins are achieved by swirling two or more coloured resins together before the mixture sets. Each piece is therefore unique, though the overall pattern remains consistent.
The coyote silhouette is either hand-painted or applied as a decal before the final clear resin coat. On well-preserved examples you can often feel a slight raised edge around the coyote, proof of the hand-finishing that small British artisans took pride in. The barrette's back is usually stamped with the store code and occasionally the maker's mark — though many small workshops stayed anonymous, letting the product speak for itself.
- Polyester resin with marble powder — durable but brittle if dropped on a hard surface.
- Hand-swirled colours — no two barrettes are exactly identical.
- Metal spring clip — usually nickel-plated, sometimes showing age patina.
- Decal or hand-painted coyote — the most common methods for the motif.
If you own a P179, check the underside of the clip. Many original pieces from the 1970s have a tiny engraved "Made in England" or just the number. These details are part of the barrette's authenticity and charm.
How to Wear the Coyote Barrette with a Modern Wardrobe
A marble-patterned barrette with a wildlife motif might seem too niche for everyday wear, but that is precisely its strength. The neutral grey-cream marble palette means it pairs effortlessly with both cool and warm tones. I have worn mine to hold a low side-swept bun with a cream linen shirt, and it added just the right touch of organic texture. For a more gathered look, try using the barrette to secure a half-up twist — the coyote silhouette becomes a tiny statement piece, visible without shouting.
The barrette's width (typically about 6 cm) makes it ideal for medium-thick hair. If your hair is fine, a light backcombing or a small velvet scrunchie underneath will help the clip grip. And because the marble finish is glossy, it works beautifully against matte fabrics like wool, corduroy, or cotton velvet. For a brunch outing or a museum visit, this barrette offers a quiet nod to vintage British craftsmanship without feeling costume-like.
Caring for Your Marble Resin Barrette
Resin marble is more delicate than it looks. The material can scratch if placed in a purse loose with keys, and it can warp if exposed to high heat (leave it out of direct sunlight and away from hairdryers). To keep the coyote motif and the glossy surface intact, follow these simple steps:
- Store flat — never bend the clip or stack heavy items on top of it. A soft cloth pouch is ideal.
- Clean with a damp microfiber cloth — wipe away hairspray and oils. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners; they can dull the resin.
- Check the metal spring clip — if the clip starts to loosen, a jeweller can gently tighten it. Do not attempt to bend it yourself, as the resin may crack.
- Keep away from perfume and chemicals — these can cloud the finish over time.
One collector I know keeps her P179 barrette inside an old hard-shell spectacle case, lined with felt. It is an excellent solution for protecting the marble surface and the coyote motif.
Why the P179 Coyote Barrette Deserves a Place in Your Collection
Vintage hair accessories often fall into two camps: the purely decorative (diamante clips, sparkly flowers) and the sculptural (carved horn, forged metal). The Coyote Barrette belongs to the second group, but with a twist. Its marble composition gives it a geological permanence, while the coyote — a trickster, a survivor — adds a narrative layer. It is a piece that invites questions: Who wore it first? Which boutique stocked it? For many British women in the 1970s, such barrettes were a small rebellion against the mass-produced plastics that dominated the market.
If you come across a P179 at a flea market or an online vintage sale, examine the coyote's tail: in most authentic versions, the tip curls into a near-perfect circle. That detail was the workshop's subtle signature. And if the marble pattern is smooth and cool to the touch, you are likely holding a well-preserved example that will last another forty years with proper care.