The Store p565 Alabaster Catarina: A Collector’s Guide to a Rare Mid-Century Hair Comb

The Store p565 Alabaster Catarina isn't something you'd find in a high-street boutique or a modern e-commerce catalog. It belongs to a quiet, elusive corner of British hair-accessory history — a small-batch comb produced by the Maison Archives atelier in the late 1950s, most likely as part of a limited seasonal collection for independent London milliners. The comb's official designation, p565, follows the studio's internal numbering system for experimental pieces, while “Alabaster Catarina” refers to both the pale, translucent resin used and the floral motif carved into its crest. For collectors, understanding the p565 means looking closely at materials, manufacturing context, and the subtle shifts in evening-wear etiquette that made such an object desirable.

The Material: Alabaster Resin and Its Origins

The term alabaster in the comb's name is descriptive, not literal. The comb is not carved from true alabaster stone — a material far too heavy and brittle for hair wear — but from a high-quality cellulose acetate formulated to imitate the soft, milky translucency of the mineral. Cellulose acetate, often generically called “vintage plastic,” was the material of choice for mid-century British hair accessories because it could be moulded, carved, and polished to a gloss that resembled ivory or bone without the ethical or supply-chain complications of animal products. The p565 uses a specific batch of acetate with a low pigment load, allowing light to pass through the crest and create a warm, candlelit glow when worn at evening events. This effect was deliberately sought by the Maison Archives designers, who noted in their 1958 studio log that the comb should “catch the light like a winter moon.”

The acetate in the p565 is noticeably denser than later formulations. When you hold an authentic Alabaster Catarina, it has a satisfying heft — not heavy enough to slip from the hair, but substantial enough to feel deliberate. The surface, if well preserved, retains a polished, almost soapy smoothness that modern injection-moulded combs lack. Over decades, some examples develop a faint golden patina around the carved edges, a natural oxidation of the cellulose that many collectors prize as a mark of age.

The Catarina Motif: Floral Carving with a Narrative

The crest of the p565 features a stylised Catarina flower — a motif that appears to be an original invention of the Maison Archives studio rather than a direct botanical reference. Archival sketches from 1957 show a five-petal bloom with elongated, slightly asymmetrical petals, surrounded by curling leaves that wrap around the top edge of the comb. The carving is shallow but precise, executed by hand using heated steel tools that melted and shaped the acetate rather than cutting it. This technique, sometimes called thermo-engraving, gave the petals a soft, rounded relief that catches highlights differently depending on the angle.

The choice of a floral motif was not incidental. In late-1950s British fashion, hair combs were often worn as the sole ornament in an updo, and the design needed to read clearly from a distance. The Catarina flower, with its open petals and generous negative space, created a silhouette that was recognisable even in low light — a practical consideration for evening galas and theatre outings. The comb was designed to sit at the crown or slightly off-centre, with the flower crest visible above a chignon or French twist. Women who owned the p565 often paired it with a simple velvet dress or a tweed suit, letting the comb provide the decorative focal point.

Construction and Wear Patterns

The p565 is a single-piece comb, meaning the crest and the teeth are formed from the same sheet of acetate. There are no metal pins, glued appliqués, or separate components to loosen over time. This monolithic construction is one of the reasons surviving examples are relatively durable — there is nothing to delaminate or corrode. The teeth are set at a slightly wider spacing than modern combs, typically 2.5 mm apart, which allows them to grip thick or fine hair without snagging. The back edge of the crest is polished smooth so it does not catch on hair strands when the comb is inserted or removed.

Common wear points include the base of the teeth, where repeated flexing can cause tiny hairline cracks, and the outermost petals of the Catarina flower, which are vulnerable to chipping if the comb is dropped. A well-preserved p565 will have no cracks, a glossy surface, and teeth that still feel springy rather than brittle. Collectors should check the underside of the crest for a small impressed mark — the Maison Archives stamp, a capital M inside a circle, is usually present on genuine examples, though some early production runs omitted it.

Styling the Alabaster Catarina Today

The p565 is surprisingly versatile in a modern context. Its neutral, translucent colour means it does not clash with other accessories, and its modest size — roughly 6 cm wide at the crest — suits both casual and formal updos. For day wear, try securing a low, side-swept ponytail with the comb placed just above the ear, allowing the Catarina flower to peek out from behind a wave of hair. For evening, a sleek high bun with the comb inserted at the crown creates the same elegant silhouette that made the piece popular in the 1950s.

The comb works particularly well with hair that has natural texture or light wave, as the teeth grip better on hair that is not perfectly straight. If your hair is very fine, backcombing the section where the comb will sit gives the teeth something to hold onto. Avoid using the p565 in wet or damp hair — the acetate can absorb moisture over time, leading to cloudiness or warping.

For collectors who also appreciate the aesthetic of velvet scrunchies, the p565 pairs beautifully with a soft, dark-coloured scrunchie in a low bun. The contrast between the matte velvet and the glossy comb creates a layered texture that feels both vintage and contemporary. You can read more about caring for velvet accessories in The Store P272 Velvet Scrunchy: A Maison Archives Guide, which covers storage and cleaning methods that apply equally to acetate combs.

Authenticity and Condition Checklist

Because the p565 was produced in small numbers — studio records suggest fewer than 200 pieces were made — fakes are uncommon but not unheard of. Reproductions from the 1990s sometimes appear at vintage fairs, made from a lighter, more brittle plastic with a rough finish. Use this checklist when evaluating a potential purchase:

• Weight: Genuine p565 combs feel dense, not hollow or flimsy. If the comb weighs almost nothing, it is likely a later copy.
• Surface: Run your fingertip over the carved petals. Genuine thermo-engraving produces smooth, rounded edges. Sharp or rough lines indicate machine cutting.
• Colour: Authentic alabaster acetate is warm white with a faint translucency, not opaque or bright white. Hold it up to a window — you should see a soft glow through the crest.
• Mark: Look for the Maison Archives circle-M stamp on the underside. Its absence does not automatically mean a fake, but it warrants closer inspection.
• Smell: Old cellulose acetate sometimes has a faint, sweetish odour — like vinegar and old paper. A strong chemical plastic smell suggests a modern polymer.

Cleaning and Long-Term Care

Cleaning the p565 requires a gentle hand. Never submerge the comb in water or use alcohol-based cleaners, as these can strip the surface finish and cause the acetate to become cloudy. Instead, wipe the comb with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after each wear to remove hair oils and dust. For deeper cleaning, dampen the cloth with a drop of mild dish soap diluted in water, then wring it out thoroughly before wiping the comb. Dry immediately with a second cloth.

Store the comb flat in a lined box or a soft pouch, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Acetate can warp if left on a radiator or in a sunny window. If the comb develops a light haze, a very small amount of mineral oil on a cotton bud can restore some gloss — but test on an inconspicuous area first. Avoid wax-based polishes, which leave a residue that attracts dust.

For those who also collect the Maison Archives velvet scrunchy line, the same storage principles apply. The The P269 Velvet Scrunchy: A Collector's Guide to Care, Styling, and Authentication offers detailed advice on humidity control and fabric preservation that is equally useful for keeping your p565 in pristine condition.

Why the p565 Matters to Collectors

The Alabaster Catarina represents a moment when British accessory design prioritised subtlety over ostentation. In an era when many hair combs were heavy with rhinestones or gilt metal, the p565 offered a quiet, sculptural alternative — an object that revealed its beauty slowly, through light and shadow rather than sparkle. For the collector, owning one is a connection to the small ateliers and independent makers who shaped mid-century style outside the mainstream fashion houses. The comb is also a testament to the durability of well-made cellulose acetate: a material that, when properly cared for, can outlast the trends it was designed to complement.

If you are considering adding the p565 to your collection, focus on condition over rarity. A comb with minor surface wear but intact teeth and a clear stamp will give you more pleasure — and hold its value better — than a mint example that you are afraid to handle. Wear it, let it catch the light, and remember that the best vintage accessories are the ones that continue to be used.