Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. It should be thick and sturdy not thin or flimsy. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. (2002). Hudson Bay blankets are a type of woolen blanket that is often used as a decorative item or as a bedding option for those who prefer a natural fiber. Due to the fact that they are warm, long-lasting, and adaptable, they are an excellent option for a wide variety of different applications. Third, feel the fabric. These blankets are also not mass-produced, so theyll last for many years. Additionally, the long history of Hudson Bay blankets makes them highly sought-after by collectors. W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific Older blankets are usually worth more than newer ones. The bids for Krytzer's blanket climbed from its opening price of $150,000 to $500,000 to $1 million before topping out at Ellis's final bid of $1.5 million. On the other hand, if one is to take into consideration each of these aspects, it is possible to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket with a fair amount of ease. After the fabric is cut and sewn into blankets, it is sent to Canada, where it is sold in Hudsons Bay stores across the country. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. Hudson Bay blankets are both unique and collectible. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations in exchange for beaver pelts as an important part of the North American fur trade.The blankets continue to be sold by Canada's Hudson's Bay department stores and have . With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. 10 Most Expensive Fabrics in the World Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. For the white Europeans, the Hudson's Bay point blankets represented the fur trade and pioneering settlements of the vast Canadian wilderness. Among the factors that determine the price of a Hudson Bay blanket are its age and condition. They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. Hudson Bay blankets are also known for their striped patterns. Flavian Johnny is the founder of Mostexpensively.com - a blog that serves as an invaluable resource for expatriates and travelers looking for something special and unique. First, the condition of the blanket is important. Whether you drape it over your sofa or use it as an extra layer on your bed, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to add personality to your space. Hudson Bay Blankets are a popular choice for many people because they are very affordable and they offer a wide variety of designs to choose from. Northwest: History and Symbolism of a Unique North American Tradition, Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. 3. That being said, they have gone on record stating that they had nothing to do with, nor would ever condone, the practice of distributing contaminated blankets to the indigenous people of North America (w. Before the point blankets arrived in North America, Indigenous blankets were used in such ceremonies. The wool used in the blankets is sourced from a rare breed of sheep that only lives in the remote regions near the Hudson Bay, making the supply limited. or Best Offer. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Cree artist Kent Monkman uses the point blankets in his series of paintings, Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience, as a representation of the imperial powers that dominated and dispossessed Indigenous people of their land and livelihood. In 2011, Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore created the video installation The Blanket, which features Winnipeg dancer Ming Hong rolling down a snow-covered hill in a point blanket. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). In other Indigenous communities, the preferred design of point blankets differed. Belmore is referring here to the history of Europeans intentionally giving blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases to Indigenous peoples. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most sought-after blankets on the market, and for good reason. So far the downtown Montreal and Calgary Hudson's Bay stores are confirmed to be downsizing and other flagships are expected to follow if things go as planned with HBC's development arm Streetworks Development. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. When buying a Hudson Bay Blanket at Costco, it is important to make sure that you check the return policy so that you can be sure that you will be able to return it if it is not what you wanted. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. by | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. The marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is high because the company spends a lot of money on advertising and promotion. 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. There are a few reasons why Hudson Bay blankets cost so much. As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. By 1929, the HBC expanded their variety of colours in order to make the blankets an essential part of home dcor. Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. HBC was a fur trading business for most of its history, a past that is entwined with the colonization of British North America and the development of Canada. However, the point system made it easy to sell the blankets through fur trading, as the points became a reliable pricing convention. The most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool blankets. The high price is due to their durability. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. While it is not known exactly when Hudsons Bay Company started selling blankets, it is clear that they have been an important part of the company for many years. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. If your blanket is older than 100 years old, it may be worth more money than newer ones because there are fewer available on the market today. Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. 13 watching. When it comes to finding the perfect Hudson Bay Blanket, there are a few different places you can look. 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. The answer is yes! If the blanket is in good condition, it will be worth more than one that is damaged or worn. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. But what makes these blankets so special? Pendleton is another option still a bit too pricey ($200/twin-size), then again I've never seen one, I'm guessing its not as heavyweight/quality as a hudson? However, they are worth every penny. -The stripe width and spacing will vary depending on the size of the blanket, but they should all be of equal width. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. Among the most valuable were plain wool blankets, called Hudson Bay blankets, which were introduced in the late 1700s. The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. Proudly powered by WordPress ), 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. Well, it turns out that these blankets are actually quite well-made. If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. The history of Pendleton Woolen Mills is one of opportunity, exploration and innovation. Chief factor for the HBCs Columbia District, John McLoughlin, informed the company in 1845 to make blankets resembling the more favourably-designed American point blankets: The American Blanket though generally inferior to ours, meets a readier sale with Indians in consequence of its gaudy color and we beg that those we have ordered may be made in respect of color and texture fully equal to the samples. 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