Hudson Bay Blanket: Designed For History And High Quality Standards
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References to the Hudson Bay blanket appear in documented North American history as early as the latter part of the 18th century. The decorative and useful blanket is made of 100 percent wool. The blanket design lends itself to clothing items such as coats. It is also used to spark home d?cor ideas. The blankets are also known for their original intent, that of staying warm in cold weather.
The Blanket in History
The suggestion for the use of blankets as a medium of trade with the indigenous peoples of North America came from an official of the Hudson Bay Company, Germain Maugenest. Maugenest was being considered as an employee of the HBC and offered several ideas for improvement of the Company trading profits near Fort Albany. The first James Bay area shipment of 500 blankets was well received by the Indians near the Fort and was followed by regular shipments thereafter.
The Construction of the blanket
A yellow, red, indigo and green stripe on a white background was the original design of the 100 percent wool blankets. Native Americans appreciated the camouflage characteristics of the original blankets since they were harder to see again snow. By the 1930s, there were additional colors, including Pastel Tones, Deep Tones and Imperial Tones to add to the product line
Valuing the Blanket
A point system was used to rate the quality of the blanket. The value was, and still is, based on the size and weight of the blanket. Weavers in France first defined the system. A point refers to the finished size of the blanket, with a full point blanket pair measuring 32 inches by 96 inches. The standard blanket weighed 49 ounces each. Contrary to popular belief, the point system was not based on the weight and quality of the beaver skins traded for the blankets.
What Collectors Look For
A few genuine point blankets have survived until today, but they are rare enough to be cherished by collectors. Some can be seen in collections of Native American memorabilia or museums showing the history of the fur trade. The value to collectors depends upon the age, weight, condition and color of the blankets. Auction sites online sometimes have these blankets for sale. They can fetch as much as $1300 in the marketplace.
Company Particulars
The point blankets used in Company trade since 1780 may be the best example of the power of a marketing idea. The blankets are still made today by John Atkinson & Sons of England and marketed in HBC stores across Canada. They are also distributed in the U. S. They are available in the United States online or in selected retail stores. A new blanket today sells for up to $350 USD.
A Work of Art
The point blankets manufactured by the HBC are used mostly for bedding, but they have also been used in home fashion and as coats. The coats are pre-made by the Company. Historically, both the Plains Indians and the Metis people fashioned coats from the original HBC point blankets. The Indians found them to be lighter in weight than buffalo robes and warm in winter.
Today, many people purchase a Hudson Bay blanket or two for their home. The point blankets are attractive enough to be proudly displayed, yet their light weight and warmth make them valuable for bedding in cold climates.
The Blanket in History
The suggestion for the use of blankets as a medium of trade with the indigenous peoples of North America came from an official of the Hudson Bay Company, Germain Maugenest. Maugenest was being considered as an employee of the HBC and offered several ideas for improvement of the Company trading profits near Fort Albany. The first James Bay area shipment of 500 blankets was well received by the Indians near the Fort and was followed by regular shipments thereafter.
The Construction of the blanket
A yellow, red, indigo and green stripe on a white background was the original design of the 100 percent wool blankets. Native Americans appreciated the camouflage characteristics of the original blankets since they were harder to see again snow. By the 1930s, there were additional colors, including Pastel Tones, Deep Tones and Imperial Tones to add to the product line
Valuing the Blanket
A point system was used to rate the quality of the blanket. The value was, and still is, based on the size and weight of the blanket. Weavers in France first defined the system. A point refers to the finished size of the blanket, with a full point blanket pair measuring 32 inches by 96 inches. The standard blanket weighed 49 ounces each. Contrary to popular belief, the point system was not based on the weight and quality of the beaver skins traded for the blankets.
What Collectors Look For
A few genuine point blankets have survived until today, but they are rare enough to be cherished by collectors. Some can be seen in collections of Native American memorabilia or museums showing the history of the fur trade. The value to collectors depends upon the age, weight, condition and color of the blankets. Auction sites online sometimes have these blankets for sale. They can fetch as much as $1300 in the marketplace.
Company Particulars
The point blankets used in Company trade since 1780 may be the best example of the power of a marketing idea. The blankets are still made today by John Atkinson & Sons of England and marketed in HBC stores across Canada. They are also distributed in the U. S. They are available in the United States online or in selected retail stores. A new blanket today sells for up to $350 USD.
A Work of Art
The point blankets manufactured by the HBC are used mostly for bedding, but they have also been used in home fashion and as coats. The coats are pre-made by the Company. Historically, both the Plains Indians and the Metis people fashioned coats from the original HBC point blankets. The Indians found them to be lighter in weight than buffalo robes and warm in winter.
Today, many people purchase a Hudson Bay blanket or two for their home. The point blankets are attractive enough to be proudly displayed, yet their light weight and warmth make them valuable for bedding in cold climates.
About the Author:
Looking for well made, timeless and cozy wool blankets? Hudson Bay blanket provides you with the best wool blankets to keep your family warm! Find out more, now at http://hudsonbayblanket.com/.
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