What do the points mean on a Hudson Bay blanket?
What do the points mean on a Hudson Bay blanket?
On every Hudson’s Bay blanket… The number of points indicates the size of the blanket. Although the points were not originally assigned a value to the blanket, over time, traders used the points to determine how many beaver pelts it could be traded for. At first, one point equaled one beaver pelt.
What size is a 4 point Hudson Bay blanket?
measures72 W x 90 L
The Hudson’s Bay 4-Point Wool Blanket measures72 W x 90 L and fits a standard double bed. Hudson’s Bay Blankets have been imported from England since 1779 and were once used as a form of currency between trappers and Native Americans.
How old is my Hudson Bay point blanket?
The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket is a wool blanket with a series of stripes and points (markers on cloth) first made for the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in 1779. The most iconic design is that which is white with green, red, yellow and indigo stripes; these colours are now used as an emblem for the HBC.
What size is a 6 point Hudson Bay blanket?
90 W x 100 L
The Hudson’s Bay 6-Point Wool Blanket measures 90 W x 100 L and fits a standard queen bed. Hudson’s Bay Blankets have been imported from England since 1779 and were once used as a form of currency between trappers and Native Americans.
Do all Hudson Bay blankets have points?
Today Hudson’s Bay blankets are commonly found in point sizes of 3.5 (twin bed), 4 (double), 6 (queen) and 8 (king). The misconception persists that originally the points were an indication of the blanket price in beaver pelts or even its weight.
What are Hudson Bay points worth?
Q: How much is each point worth? A: If you’re redeeming for HBC Gift Cards, each point is worth half a cent. So you need to collect 5,000 points to redeem for a $25 gift card, 10,000 points to redeem for a $50 gift card, and 20,000 points to redeem for a $100 gift card.
Are old wool blankets worth anything?
Textiles are usually pretty inexpensive when you find them used. Wool blankets might have a high price tag, even at a thrift store if they are considered collectible. Hudson Bay blankets with their heavy fulled character and stripes are usually at the high end, along with Pendleton blankets.
Are Hudson Bay blankets offensive?
Despite its iconic status, the blanket is not without controversy. Disturbing claims have accused British administrators in North America of using the Hudson’s Bay blanket to spread smallpox among the native tribes as the British Empire expanded further into Canada.
What can I do with my Hudson Bay points?
Redeem your Hudson’s Bay Rewards points instantly, beginning with 1,000 points to receive $5 off your current purchase.
- Redeem your points in store with valid government issued photo identification.
- Redeem your points at thebay.com with a unique member self-selected PIN.
What can I do with old wool blankets?
10 uses for Wool Blankets
- Use a wool blanket under the fitted bed sheet.
- Cover a window in wool.
- Keep a wool blanket on the couch.
- Keep a wool blanket at the foot of the bed for cccold nights.
- Keep a wool blanket in the car.
- Take them with you to cushion furniture or windows when transporting.
How long do wool blankets last?
Wool blankets can provide warmth and comfort for decades if you take proper care of them. It is a refreshing change in a world where people routinely trade in their car every 3 years, their PCs every other year and their clothes every season.
Who gave infected blankets to natives?
There’s evidence that British colonists in 18th-century America gave Native Americans smallpox-infected blankets at least once—but did it work? North American colonists’ warfare against Native Americans often was horrifyingly brutal.
Why was the HBC point blanket so popular?
Over time it has become the product most identified with HBC, and by extension Canada. The iconic multistripes of green, red, yellow and indigo were introduced on the Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket at the end of the 18th century. The colours were chosen because they were popular, and easily produced using good colourfast dyes.
What are the points on a Hudson’s Bay blanket?
Hudson’s Bay Company has commissioned these fine English-made woolen blankets since 1780, many becoming heirlooms that are passed on from one generation to the next. The points, or small black bars on the side of the blanket, were utilized during the fur trade as an indication of size – a measure that continues to this day.
Why are there black bars on the side of a blanket?
The points, or small black bars on the side of the blanket, were utilized during the fur trade as an indication of size – a measure that continues to this day. The primary colours first became popular in the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). First commissioned by HBC in 1800, the multistripe has never been put out of production since.
