I got this Canadian-made blanket at a garage sale in MD. It is mostly solid color with a black band toward each of the far ends. It also has sets of three very narrow stripes on the edge. These small stripes run parallel to the big bands, and are only about four or five inches long. The blanket is all wool, and very warm and well made.
I didn’t think much of it until I saw this same pattern blanket turning up in pictures and so on. I have even seen what appear to be these blankets made into overcoats in paintings of soldiers from the Revolutionary War period.
Is there a name for this type blanket? Do the stripes mean something?
Generically, these are called “point” blankets, with each little black stripe historically representing the worth of the blanket in beaver pelts–more stripes, more pelts. (Or so the story goes) The point size now usually is indicative of size. These have been made by several companies, but the premium ones have been made since the late 17th century by Witney. I’m sure there are probably some knock-offs on the market, but a real Witney should come with a certificate and should be 100% wool. Hudson Bay Company sells these new, as do a bunch of specialty sutlers speciallizing in mountain-man/longhunter era goods.
Roger that! And many thanks! It is a Hudson’s Bay Blanket. But mine isn’t like the one in the painting. It only has one big stripe, not several of various colors.
Now that I know, I’ll have to hunt out s source for the real article and see what all they cost. It’s a dman fine blanket.