The p507 Ric Rac Hairclip: How to Identify, Style, and Care for a Vintage British Classic

When you hold a vintage ric rac hairclip from the mid-20th century, the first thing you notice is the edge. Unlike modern mass-produced clips with sharp, uniform teeth, the ric rac — or scalloped — profile has a gentle wave, a rhythm of peaks and valleys that catches the light differently from every angle. The Store p507 Ric Rac Hairclip is one such piece, and understanding its construction, materials, and place in British hair accessory history can help you identify authentic examples, style them with confidence, and keep them in good order for decades.

The term "ric rac" originally described a flat braided trim used in dressmaking, but by the 1950s British jewellery and accessory manufacturers had adopted the word for metal hairclips with a scalloped, zigzag or wave-like contour. The p507 model is a classic example: a slender barrette approximately 5 cm in length, made from stamped brass or nickel silver, then plated with either gold or silver. The scalloped edge is not purely decorative — it also grips the hair more gently than a straight edge, reducing breakage while holding firmly. This attention to both form and function is what separates a thoughtfully designed vintage clip from a merely pretty one.

Identifying the p507 Ric Rac Hairclip

Several features help distinguish the p507 from similar clips of the era:

• Metal base: Most authentic p507 clips use brass or nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) as the foundation. The plating is usually rolled gold or sterling silver, not a thin flash coat. If the clip feels unusually light or the plating flakes easily, it may be a later reproduction.
• Scallop count: The p507 has seven distinct scallops along each side, with a small central ridge that runs the length of the clip. This ridge adds structural rigidity and prevents the clip from bending out of shape over time.
• Spring mechanism: The spring is a flat, single-piece steel strip riveted to the back. Original springs are dark with age but still snap firmly. A loose or rusty spring suggests wear that may be difficult to repair.
• Hallmarks: British-made examples often carry a tiny hallmark on the inside of the clip — a crown, a lion passant, or the maker's initials. The p507 was produced by several Birmingham-based manufacturers in the 1950s and 1960s, including Maison Archives, whose pieces are marked with a stylised "MA" inside an oval.

If you come across a clip with the same scalloped silhouette but a different number of waves or a plastic coating, it is likely a later variant or a continental European cousin. The true p507 is all metal, with a clean, polished finish that has mellowed to a soft patina over the decades.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The p507 ric rac clip belongs to a generation of British hair accessories that prioritised durability. Post-war austerity had eased by the mid-1950s, but manufacturers still worked with limited resources. Brass and nickel silver were chosen for their workability and because they could be plated to look like precious metals without the cost. The plating process used at the time — often a form of electroplating with a thicker layer than modern equivalents — gives these clips their characteristic warm glow.

The scalloped edge itself is a triumph of stamping technology. Each clip was cut from a sheet of metal using a hardened steel die, then hand-finished to remove burrs. The wave pattern distributes stress evenly, so the clip does not crack at the corners as straight-edged clips sometimes do. This is why so many p507 clips survive in excellent condition today, even after seventy years of use.

For collectors, the patina is part of the appeal. A clip that has darkened slightly in the valleys of the scallops while remaining bright on the peaks tells a story of careful handling. Over-polishing can strip this character, so we recommend gentle cleaning only — a soft cloth and mild soapy water, never abrasive polishes or ultrasonic cleaners.

Styling the p507 with a Modern Wardrobe

A single ric rac clip can transform an ordinary hairstyle into something intentional. Because the p507 is small and slim, it works best as an accent rather than a structural anchor. Here are three ways to wear it that feel current without losing the vintage spirit:

1. Side-swept accent: Gather a section of hair just above the ear, twist it loosely, and secure with the p507 placed horizontally. This works especially well with a low ponytail or a half-up style. The scalloped edge catches the light as you move.
2. French roll detail: After pinning a classic French roll, slide the p507 vertically into the roll just behind the ear. The clip should be mostly hidden, with only the scalloped top edge visible. It adds a subtle gleam without shouting for attention.
3. With a headband: For a layered vintage look, wear a velvet headband and then clip the p507 at the temple to secure a few loose strands. This combination echoes the 1960s habit of pairing hair accessories rather than choosing just one. Our article on the p220 Velvet Braided Crown Headband: A Collector's Guide explores how to mix textures between velvet and metal.

The key is restraint. One p507 clip makes a statement; two or three can look costume-like unless arranged with deliberate asymmetry. Let the scalloped edge be the focal point, and keep the rest of your outfit simple — a white blouse, dark trousers, and perhaps a single piece of jewellery in the same metal tone.

Care and Storage

Vintage metal hairclips need different care from modern plastic ones. The plating can wear away if exposed to hairspray, perfume, or perspiration over long periods. To keep your p507 in its best condition:

• Wipe the clip with a dry, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove oils and residue.
• Store it in a fabric-lined jewellery box or a soft pouch, separate from other metal items that could scratch the plating.
• If the spring becomes stiff, apply a tiny drop of sewing machine oil to the pivot point and work it gently. Never force the clip open — the metal can fatigue.
• Avoid wearing the clip in heavy rain or while swimming. Salt water and chlorine are particularly damaging to plated surfaces.

With these simple habits, a p507 ric rac clip can remain functional and beautiful for another lifetime. Many of the clips we see in antique shops today have survived precisely because their previous owners treated them with this kind of care.

Where to Find Authentic p507 Clips

Because the p507 was produced in relatively large numbers during the 1950s and 1960s, examples still appear at car boot sales, vintage fairs, and online marketplaces. Prices vary widely depending on condition and plating. A clip with worn plating but a strong spring might cost £5–10; a pristine example with clear hallmarks can reach £30 or more.

When buying online, ask the seller for a close-up photo of the inside of the clip. Look for the hallmark and the condition of the spring. Reputable sellers will also describe the length and number of scallops — if the clip has fewer than seven scallops per side, it is not a true p507. The Maison Archives Kitty K Clip: A Vintage Hair Accessory with Character shares a similar spring mechanism but a different silhouette, so comparing the two can help you recognise the p507's distinctive profile.

If you are new to collecting vintage hair accessories, start with one clip in a versatile metal tone — gold works with most hair colours and outfits. Once you have learned to identify the p507's construction details, you will find it easier to spot other quality pieces from the same era. The ric rac clip is a perfect entry point: small enough to be affordable, well-made enough to last, and beautiful enough to wear every day.

When you slide a p507 into your hair for the first time, notice how the scalloped edge catches a strand and holds it without pulling. That is the difference between a clip made to be worn and a clip made to be sold. The p507 was designed for daily use, for women who expected their accessories to work as hard as they did. That integrity is what makes it worth seeking out, caring for, and passing on.