Vintage Hudsons Bay 4 Point Wool Blanket

Description

For your consideration… 1950s Hudson Bay Point blanket in a creamy white wool with bold stripes. Features the classic 4 … more For your consideration… 1950s Hudson Bay Point blanket in a creamy white wool with bold stripes. Features the classic 4 point pattern iconic of Hudson Bay, denoting the size.
The "point" system was invented by French weavers in the mid-18th century as a means of indicating the finished overall size (area) of a blanket. The word point derives from the French empointer meaning "to make threaded stitches on cloth." The number of points on a blanket represents the overall finished size of the blanket, not its value in terms of beaver pelts as is sometimes believed.

Each blanket was graded using a point system. Points were identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket. A full point measured 4–5.5 inches (10–14 centimetres); a half point measured half that length. The standard measurements for a pair of 1-point blankets was: 2 feet, 8 inches (81 centimetres) wide by 8 feet (2.4 metres) in length; with a weight of 3 pounds, 1 ounce (1.4 kilograms) each. Points ranged from 1 to 6, increasing by halves depending upon the size and weight of the blanket.

The fabric English100% wool,soft supple and superb

Imported from England since 1779 when they were often used as a form of currency between trappers and Native Americans.

Measures 72" x 88" or 182.8 cm x 223.5 cm.

No tear rips or repairs there are a few age spots from a life in the country
Has been cleaned and looked after recently.
The wool was, and remains, a blend of varieties from Britain and New Zealand, each selected for its special qualities that make the blanket water resistant, soft, warm, and strong. The wool is first dyed before it is spun. It is then air and sun dried to brighten the colours. The blankets are woven 50% larger than their final finished size, before they are put through a milling process, which reduces them to prevent further shrinkage. In addition, the milling prevents the blanket from hardening when exposed to severe climatic conditions. less