The Alabaster Bertha: A Rare Mid-Century Hair Accessory

Store p567 marks a specific alabaster Bertha from Maison Archives, and it's one of those quiet discoveries that rewards the patient collector. Unlike celluloid or metal variants, this piece uses a natural stone prized for its soft translucency and subtle veining. Alabaster, a fine-grained gypsum, has been carved into decorative objects for centuries, but its appearance in mid‑century British hair accessories is rare. The p567 alabaster Bertha comes from a small production run in the early 1950s, likely made by a specialist atelier that blended traditional stone carving with the lightweight, rounded silhouette that defines the Bertha family.

The Allure of Alabaster in Hair Accessories

Alabaster was a favorite for ornamental boxes, miniature sculptures, and lamp bases in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but it almost never turned up in hair combs. The material is soft – Mohs hardness around 2 – which makes it easy to carve but also vulnerable to scratches and moisture. The designers of the p567 alabaster Bertha clearly understood these limitations: the comb is not a functional tine piece but a decorative hair slide, meant to be worn as a statement at the back of a chignon or as a side accent. The alabaster sits on a thin brass base, and the comb teeth are metal, leaving the stone itself to be admired without stress.

The Bertha Silhouette: A Mid-Century Icon

The Bertha shape – a broad, gently curved comb with a decorative top edge – became popular in Britain during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It takes its name from the wide lace collar of the Victorian era, which it vaguely resembles when viewed from above. Berthas were often made from tortoiseshell or celluloid, but the alabaster variant pushes the silhouette in a new direction. The p567 model has a slightly asymmetric top edge, with a hand‑carved repeating leaf pattern that catches the light differently depending on the angle. The alabaster is a warm, creamy white with occasional grey veins, giving each piece a unique character.

The Store P567 Alabaster Bertha: Design and Details

Store p567 is a catalog code used by Maison Archives for this specific alabaster Bertha. The piece measures roughly 8 cm across and 4 cm tall, with a metal comb attached underneath. The stone is set in a thin brass frame that is barely visible from the front, so the alabaster looks like a solid carved block. The back of the comb is stamped with a small “M.A.” logo and the number “567”, which helps with authentication. The carving is done by hand – the small divots and gentle unevenness in the leaf pattern are signs of genuine craftsmanship, not a machine process.

Materials and Craftsmanship

• Alabaster: naturally sourced from Derbyshire quarries, chosen for its even colour and lack of large inclusions.
• Brass mounting: thin, tarnish‑resistant metal that holds the stone securely without visible screws.
• Comb teeth: nickel‑plated steel, designed to hold the piece in place without damaging the hair.
• Hand‑carving: the leaf motif is cut with fine chisels, then sanded with progressively finer grits to achieve a satin finish.

Each alabaster Bertha required about two days of work – one for rough shaping and carving, another for finishing and assembly. The low production numbers (probably fewer than 200 pieces) explain why the p567 is so hard to find today.

Styling the Alabaster Bertha Today

The alabaster Bertha pairs beautifully with modern, clean silhouettes. Because the stone is neutral but not plain, it works well with monochrome outfits – a cream wool jumper, a black silk blouse, or a tailored grey blazer. For a more vintage look, wear it with a low chignon or a side‑swept bob. The comb is not designed for heavy or thick hair; it works best as a decorative accent in fine to medium hair. If you have curly or textured hair, use a small section of smooth hair at the temple to slide the comb into, then let the rest fall naturally.

Choosing the Right Occasion

Daytime events such as museum visits, afternoon tea, or a garden show suit the alabaster Bertha’s understated elegance. For evening, it can be paired with a simple velvet dress or a high‑necked blouse. Avoid wearing it with busy patterns or heavy jewellery – the alabaster should be the sole focus. Unlike some other Bertha variants, this piece does not have a shiny finish, so it does not compete with sequins or metallic accessories.

Caring for Your Alabaster Bertha

Alabaster is porous and water‑sensitive. Never immerse the comb in water or use liquid hair products while wearing it. To clean, gently wipe the stone with a dry, soft cloth. If the metal comb needs cleaning, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, being careful not to touch the stone. Store the alabaster Bertha in a padded box, wrapped in acid‑free tissue paper, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the alabaster to yellow over time, and humidity can soften the gypsum. Ideally, keep it in a climate‑controlled room, between 18–22°C and 40–50% relative humidity.

What to Avoid

• Do not expose the comb to perfume, hairspray, or dry shampoo – the chemicals can stain the stone.
• Do not drop the comb: alabaster is brittle and can chip or crack if struck.
• Do not attempt to polish the stone with a rotary tool or abrasive paste – you will remove the delicate surface.
• Do not store the comb in a plastic bag; condensation can form and damage the metal and stone.

If you notice a light scratch, it can often be buffed out by a professional conservator experienced in soft stone. For most collectors, the natural patina that develops over time adds to the charm. The p567 alabaster Bertha is not a daily wear piece – it is an occasional treasure, to be brought out when you want a connection to the quiet artistry of mid‑century British accessory design. Each time you wear it, you carry a small piece of Derbyshire stone, carved by unseen hands, into a present that still has room for such delicate beauty.