The Store P346 Rectangle Barrette: A 1960s Mod Hair Accessory Guide

The Store P346 rectangle barrette is often mistaken for its earlier mid-century cousins, yet a close look at the clasp reveals a subtle innovation that dates it firmly to the 1960s. Unlike the heavy metal grips of the 1950s, the P346 uses a slender spring-loaded mechanism housed within a slim cellulose acetate body. This design allowed the clip to hold firmly without tugging—a small engineering detail that changed how women wore their hair during the mod era.

Origins in British Mod Fashion

By the early 1960s, London’s Carnaby Street had become a laboratory for geometric silhouettes. Hair accessories followed suit. The rectangle barrette—clean and architectural—fit perfectly with the sharp lines of Mary Quant’s miniskirts and Vidal Sassoon’s five-point cuts. Store P346 appears to have been produced by a small Birmingham-based manufacturer that specialised in injection-moulded cellulose acetate. Surviving catalogues from 1964 list it as “Style 346, Rectangular Grip, Tortoiseshell and Jet.” The “P” prefix likely stood for “Patent,” referring to the clip’s spring design, which was registered in 1962.

Collectors prize the P346 for its colour variations. The most common is a warm amber tortoiseshell, but rarer examples exist in opaque cream, pale blue, and even a translucent magenta that catches the light. The material—cellulose acetate derived from cotton linters and camphor—was chosen for its ability to be polished to a high gloss while remaining lightweight. Unlike earlier Bakelite barrettes, acetate does not become brittle with age if stored properly.

Identifying an Authentic Store P346

Several markers distinguish the genuine P346 from later reproductions. First, the clip: the spring is made of nickel-plated steel with a distinctive double coil visible when the barrette is opened. Second, the edges of the acetate are slightly rounded, not sharp—a result of hand-finishing after moulding. Third, look for a faint embossed number “346” on the inside of the clip arm; it is very small, often less than 2 mm high. Finally, the weight: an authentic P346 feels substantial but not heavy, around 8 grams. Modern copies tend to use thinner acetate and feel hollow.

• Colour: Genuine tortoiseshell has irregular mottling; fakes often have printed patterns.
• Patina: Acetate develops a warm, even patina over decades; avoid pieces with cracked or cloudy surfaces.
• Markings: The “346” stamp may be faint but should be present. Some early runs also include “MADE IN ENGLAND.”

How It Was Worn Then, and Now

In the 1960s, the P346 was typically used to hold back a single side section, leaving the rest of the hair loose and straight. It was also popular as a “half-up” clip, gathering the top portion into a low ponytail while the length fell free. The rectangle shape mirrored the angular lines of shift dresses and geometric jewellery. Today, the same barrette can anchor a messy bun, secure a silk scarf tied into the hair, or simply add a vintage accent to a modern ponytail. Its neutral tortoiseshell pairs well with both warm and cool tones, making it a versatile piece for any wardrobe.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The Store P346 was made from cellulose acetate sheet, cut into rectangles, then heated and pressed into a curved form. The clip mechanism was assembled separately and riveted into place. This method allowed for consistent quality but limited production speed—each barrette was essentially hand-assembled. The acetate was polished using a rotating mop wheel with pumice and wax, giving it a deep, glossy finish that resists fingerprints. Over time, some examples develop a slight “craquelure”—fine surface cracks—which does not affect function and is considered desirable by some collectors.

If you are lucky enough to find a P346 with its original card backing, the packaging often features a line drawing of a woman with a beehive hairstyle and the words “The Grip That Never Slips.” These cards are rare and add significant value.

Care and Preservation

Cellulose acetate is sensitive to heat and humidity. Never store a P346 in direct sunlight or near a radiator; the acetate can warp or discolour. To clean, use a soft, dry cloth—avoid alcohol or acetone, which will dissolve the surface. If the clip feels stiff, apply a tiny drop of mineral oil to the hinge and work it open and closed several times.

For long-term storage, wrap the barrette in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a padded box. Separate it from metal jewellery to prevent scratches. If the spring loses tension, a jeweller can often replace it without damaging the acetate.

Where to Find Store P346

British charity shops and antiques markets remain the best hunting grounds. The P346 was mass-produced but not widely exported, so examples are more common in the UK than abroad. Online auction sites list them periodically; search for “vintage tortoiseshell barrette 1960s” and look for the tell-tale spring clip. Prices range from £8 for a common colour to £40 for a rare translucent magenta with intact packaging. Always ask the seller for a photo of the inside of the clip to verify the “346” stamp.

For those who enjoy the broader context of 1960s hair accessories, the C44 Maison Archives Hair Bow: A Collector’s Guide to a 1960s London Atelier Icon offers a fascinating parallel story of how bows and clips coexisted in the same fashion ecosystem. Similarly, the bold colours of the 1970s are captured in the Ziggy Colors 3: The Coveted Glam Rock Hair Accessories of the 1970s, showing how the rectangle barrette evolved into more playful forms.

When you finally hold a P346 in your hand, notice how the acetate feels warm to the touch—a quality that plastic imitations never replicate. That warmth, combined with the precise click of the spring, is the signature of a well-made accessory from an era that valued both form and function. If you find one with the original card, keep it together. Store it flat, keep it dry, and it will continue to hold a lock of hair—or a piece of history—for decades to come.