The p519 Anika Hairclip: A 1950s British Celluloid Treasure

The p519 Anika hairclip is often mistaken for its tortoiseshell cousin, but a closer look reveals the material tells a different story. This particular variant, produced in the early 1950s by a small Birmingham workshop, is made not of genuine tortoiseshell but of marbled celluloid in a warm ‘cognac and cream’ pattern. The clip measures 6.5 cm in length, with a gently elongated oval silhouette and a hinged metal clasp that still clicks with reassuring precision after seventy years.

Why Celluloid? A Lightweight Alternative

Celluloid was invented in the 1860s and quickly became the go-to material for affordable, lightweight accessories that mimicked ivory, horn, or tortoiseshell. The Anika line appeared during celluloid’s heyday – by the 1950s, British manufacturers had perfected pressing and polishing it to a glassy finish. The p519 clip shows off that skill: the swirls are organic, never repeating, and the surface feels warm to the touch, unlike the cold slickness of later plastics.

Identifying the p519 Anika

• Colour: Amber base with white and cream streaks – never solid brown or black.
• Clasp: A brass-toned spring hinge with two small prongs. Original examples often carry a faint “Made in England” stamp on the underside of the metal.
• Weight: Noticeably lighter than a comparable tortoiseshell clip. Celluloid is about half the density.
• Patina: Decades of gentle use give the celluloid a soft, buttery lustre. Avoid pieces that look unnaturally shiny – that may indicate a later lacquer.

A Collector’s Perspective

The p519 Anika is rarer than its tortoiseshell counterparts. After the 1950s, celluloid lost ground to more durable acrylics, and many clips were thrown away or melted down. Surviving examples often turn up in small haberdashery boxes or tucked into vintage handbags. If you spot one at a flea market or estate sale, the price is usually modest – between £15 and £35 – because it’s not tortoiseshell. For a collector who values texture and history, though, the celluloid Anika is a quiet treasure.

Wearing the p519 Today

This clip works well with a sleek low bun or a half-up twist. Its warm amber tones go nicely with autumn tweeds and cream knits – even a simple white shirt gets a lift. Unlike large plastic claw clips, the Anika’s modest size (about the length of a thumb) adds a discreet vintage accent without overwhelming the face. Pair it with a velvet headband for an evening look, or use it to hold back a side-swept section on a casual day. The grip is firm enough for fine to medium hair, but if your hair is very thick, treat it as a decorative accent rather than the sole fastener.

Care and Keeping

Celluloid is sensitive to heat and moisture. Never leave the p519 clip in direct sunlight or near a radiator – the material can warp or even become brittle. To clean, wipe gently with a dry, soft cloth. If tarnish appears on the metal clasp, a quick rub with a jeweller’s polishing cloth (the kind used for silver) will restore the shine. Store the clip in a fabric-lined box, away from other hard accessories that might scratch the surface. With that simple care, your p519 Anika remains a wearable piece of mid-century British craftsmanship.

One Final Detail

If you find a p519 Anika, turn it over and examine the clasp. The original manufacturers stamped a tiny “Made in England” on the flat side of the metal hinge. After decades of use, the stamp may be barely legible – a faint impression is enough. That faint mark is the best proof you’ve got an original from that short, inventive period when celluloid rivaled tortoiseshell. For another example of mid-century ingenuity in hair accessories, take a look at the Store P242 Red Heart Straw Bag – a 1960s clip that also blurs the line between accessory and art.