During the 18th and 19th century, the blankets were traded with the native inhabitants of Canada and the United States primarily in exchange for furs and pelts. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. Textile Museum of The first point blankets were created by French weavers who developed a point system a way to specify the finished size of a blanket sometime in the 17th century. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. you will have guests. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. Your email address will not be published. One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. A good wool blanket is a good wool blanket. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. As this blanket is made in such a way that it is breathable, you will not sweat under it when the nights are slightly warmer. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples.) The first thing you need to do in order to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket is to examine its pattern and coloration. It should be thick and sturdy not thin or flimsy. Whichever way you choose, you cant go wrong with either one of these iconic brands. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is a cozy and comfortable blanket that is perfect for snuggling up on cold nights. The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. 1. You can also take the blanket to a dry cleaner, but keep in mind that wool blankets are delicate and should not be washed with automatic machines. Its manufacture dates back to the 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of England. . Step #3. A month later, the HBC commissioned the Witney mills a collective name for textile mills in Witney, Oxfordshire in Britain to produce 30 pair[s] of 3 points to be striped with four colors (red, blue, green, yellow) according to your judgement. (See alsoWoven Textiles.). There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. Trade blankets were made for exchange with Native Americans and are the most common type of Hudson Bay blanket. Third, feel the fabric. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. Hudson's Bay Company 60 by 90-Inch Twin Size 3.5 Point Blanket, Millenium. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. My . These stripped blankets were created by the Hudson's Bay Company in the Northern part of North America in 1780. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. There are several different styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. Be aware, old items (especially wool) can have unseen ins. The answer is yes! Each line has a different purpose, and together they create a design that tells a story. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. They Are Said to Be the Most Precious of Herbs If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. The blanket measures 90 inches by 100 inches, making it the perfect size for a queen bed. Hudson Bay blankets are traditionally made from wool. According to the company, products . why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. If your blanket is more than one hundred years old, it might be worth more money than one that was made more recently due to the fact that there are fewer of these older blankets available on the market today. Belmores, The Blanket (2011). My great uncle gave all his nephew who finished high school a Hudson blanket, that was over 30 years ago.. this blanket has been on unknown amount of hunting trip & camping still in great shape..yes expensive but great qualitybut mine was a giftwould i buy one not sure. How can you tell if a Hudson Bay blanket is real? I have a US Army blanket that has been in my vehicle for 30 years. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). Although Hackett has found no proof of this, she has heard oral stories about the blankets being used to spread the disease. But dont let that stop you from buying one these blankets are worth every penny! Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. ), Today, the distinctive design of point blanket strips has been used as part of the HBC Collection brand on products ranging from umbrellas to smart phone cases. Shrumm, R. (2018). prince william county sheriff election. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. The first time any piece of cloth or bedding was called a "blanket" was in 1340, when Thomas Blanquette, a Flemish weaver living in England, developed a heavily napped woollen weave. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. Plus, they often have sales which make these blankets even more affordable. A Hudson Bay blanket is a type of blanket that was originally made in England and then brought over to Canada. These blankets were originally designed as trade goods, to be exchanged for furs with Indigenous people. [Answered] Answer: DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT WASHING THE BLANKET!!! Here's a way to make a wool coat from a blanket without cutting the blanket. The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. 10. (Top 11 Reasons). The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. But they have a dark history as well. So if youve been eyeing a Hudsons Bay blanket but havent been able to justify the cost, keep an eye out for a sale. Amazon Basics Soft Micromink Sherpa Throw Blanket - King, Cream. Thinner, skin-friendly sheets were made . This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. According to the HBC, the hue and colour order in the famous white and colour-striped point blanket were not standardized until the mid- to late-19th century. So if youre looking for a cozy way to invest in Canadian history, a Hudson Bay blanket is a great option! They reflect the trading system for beaver pelts and the early North American colonies. Belmore is referring here to the history of Europeans intentionally giving blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases to Indigenous peoples. So, there you have it: three reasons why Hudson Bay Blankets are so expensive. Typically, the wool blankets were traded with Native Americans for pelts; arctic fox, lynx and most importantly beaver. $49500. Though the points on the blankets did not have an inherent value, merchants during the fur trade often priced point blankets according to the number of points on the blanket, with one point assigned for small blankets and four points designated for very large blankets. In addition, each blanket is sewn by hand by skilled craftswomen, ensuring that each and every one is a unique and beautiful piece of artwork. Hudson Bay Blankets Have High Market Demand. As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. During the fur trade era, point blankets were often sold in 2.5, 3.5, or four points, and the size of a six-point HBC blanket corresponds to the size of a modern mattress. In addition to this, they have a very robust distribution network, which enables them to charge high prices for the products that they sell to retailers. Because each blanket is handwoven, no two are exactly alike. Pendleton blankets look beautiful, rustic and all-American; I love the stripes and saddles. Blanket from this educational YouTube video. FREE shipping Add to Favorites Vintage 1950s 1960s Hudson Bay Blanket Coat . Some of the famous woolen mills in the United States and England produced these blankets. You probably cant get em. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. 15 San Diego Museums That You Need to See 2023, 15 Best Neighborhoods in Chicago for 2023, The 20 Best Restaurants in Mexico City 2023. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. People desire certain blankets more than others due to the fact that they are one-of-a-kind or have a significant amount of history associated with them, and these blankets tend to be rarer. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. While the HBC acknowledges that smallpox decimated Indigenous populations across Canada, it states that its company had nothing to do with the use of smallpox blankets as biological warfare. In fact, the company claims that HBC employees tried to stop the spread of disease by practicing quarantine and providing care for the infected. However, you shouldnt let that deter you from purchasing one of these blankets because they are well worth the money. Nuu-chah-nulth nations tended to like green blankets, and in many Coast Salish communities, red. The blankets can be utilized in a variety of ways, including as clothing, as bedding, or simply as something to wrap oneself in on a chilly evening. Cheapest Ways To Build A House In South Africa 2023: All Types of Nurses in South Africa and Their, President Scholarship at University of Winnipeg in, Indian Government Scholarships by Indian Council for, International Student Scholarships at Douglas College, Why Is Washington DC So Expensive in 2023. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. mon - fri 8.00 am - 4.00 pm #22 beetham gardens highway, port of spain, trinidad +1 868-625-9028 DETAILS. Belmore argues that while the blanket is an object of beauty, a collectors item that belongs to the Hudsons Bay Companys history, it is, for many Indigenous peoples, still viewed as a trade item that once contained the gift of disease.. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. i have a couple military wool blankets(USN) that i liberated 45 years ago and i have tried Hudson Bay blankets and the military ones were just as good. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. C $884.94. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. If you find a real Hudson Bay blanket for $30.00 at a yard sale, rundon't walk. The production of Hudsons Bay Point Blankets is a true labor of love, and the result is a timeless product that is cherished by Canadians from coast to coast. However, other colors may also be used. Second Media Inc., 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. The price of a horse is usually cheap compaired to the feed/vet/shoes over the 20 years plus you could ride them. Bay Leaves Have a Short Shelf Life Bay leaves can lose their flavor in as little as three months which is only another reason why they are more expensive than other herbs that stay fresh longer. Rinse the blanket three times to remove all the soap by swirling and squeezing it gently in the basin. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. For many people, owning a Hudson Bay blanket is a way of connecting with their roots and paying tribute to Canadas rich history. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories 5 out of 5 stars (170) $ 298.00. Hudson's Bay Point Blankets are made of 100% wool and are pre-shrunk as part of the manufacturing process, so you can hand wash your blanket in a gentle detergent like Zero or Woollite. eNightmareVintage. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. 9.) The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is sure to keep you warm and cozy all winter long! Learn more about the HBC Point Age, condition, size, and provenance are all important considerations. Rosalie Favell, I awoke to find my spirit had returned (detail, from the series Plain (s) Warrior Artist), 1999. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. There is a local that is selling his Early's Witney 4 Point blanket for $110 and I was wondering how it compared to a genuine Hudson Bay or a surplus blanket.