why are hudson bay blankets so expensive

Which is the Best Climber of All the Big Cats? Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. D Because each blanket is handwoven, no two are exactly alike. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. The origins of the iconic blanket began with fur trading in the New World. So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. 1. These blankets can be hand-washed or machine-washed, but make sure to avoid bleach or fabric softeners as these will damage the fibers. Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. There are several different styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. The blanket measures 90 inches by 100 inches, making it the perfect size for a queen bed. In 1670, King Charles II of England granted a charter to form the Hudson's Bay Company, which in short order controlled vast tracts of wilderness and the fur trade in North America. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. In central and eastern Canada, many Mtis and French settlers and traders wore their Hudsons Bay Point Blankets as outerwear robes, and later turned them into capotes handmade wrap-style coats. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Often these small pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a new blanket. 1. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . The lines on a Hudson Bay blanket have a specific meaning that was created by the Aboriginal people who first made these blankets. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. The wool used to make the blankets is sourced from New Zealand, and it undergoes a rigorous quality control process before it is shipped to England. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. For one, theyre incredibly durable. She is a fun-loving person who loves to make people smile. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. For example, when the HBC first established trading posts and forts in the Pacific Northwest, Coast Salish women who had been weaving blankets out of mountain goat and dog hair since well before European contact became determined to get high-quality point blankets. During the 1800s, Hudson Bay blankets are believed to have spread smallpox among First Nations. They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. So, what makes these blankets so special? Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), chartered 2 May 1670, is the oldest incorporated joint-stock merchandising company in the English -speaking world. Youll pay a lot of money for a Hudson Bay blanket, but youll have peace of mind knowing that youre getting a quality blanket. 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.. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. Northwest: History and Symbolism of a Unique North American Tradition, Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History 2023 myheartliveshere | All rights Reserved, Premium Wool Blanket: Hudson's Bay Point Blanket. Hudsons Bay Point Blankets were traditionally made in plain red, white, green or blue background, with a single bar (called heading) of indigo on either end. If you want a HB blanket, you probably either have to buy second hand or buy direct from HBC - which means importing from Canada. In fact, the blanket had become so synonymous with the standard measure for trade that in the HBC records, the term blanket was used to convey a collection of smaller trade goods. From the high quality of the materials to the intricate designs, these blankets are truly luxurious items. The first thing you need to do in order to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket is to examine its pattern and coloration. Hudson Bay blankets are made of 100% wool and have a rich history. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two There are three main types of Hudson Bay blankets: trade, chiefs, and voyageur. ( 250) Fast Delivery. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. I washed my Pendleton wool blankets in cold water a month of ago and they came out perfect! But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. 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. The short answer is yes. A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. There are a few things you can look for when trying to determine if a Hudson Bay blanket is real. The bold stripe design is instantly recognizable, and it adds a touch of flair to any room. It can also be dry cleaned in a professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand. With a little patience, youll be able to snag one of these cozy classics at a fraction of the price. Due to the fact that they are warm, long-lasting, and adaptable, they are an excellent option for a wide variety of different applications. Theyve been around for centuries, and they remain popular to this day. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. Due to the fact that they are so thick and warm, these blankets are perfect for making use of during the winter months either as bedding or as clothing. This Secret Life of Canada episode dives into the history of The Hudson's Bay Company and unpacks the very complicated story of the iconic striped blanket. You wont be let down in any way! If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. Plus, they often have sales which make these blankets even more affordable. These blankets are still manufactured today, despite the fact that the manufacturing process has unquestionably evolved over the course of the years. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? The Hudson's Bay Foundation and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund have announced that from now on, 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of HBC's famed striped wool blankets will. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. If the blanket can be traced back to a particular time or place, it will be more valuable than one with no history. Belmore is referring here to the history of Europeans intentionally giving blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases to Indigenous peoples. All Hudson Bay blankets are hand-loomed in England with the finest wool. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. 9. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Exploring the most expensive and luxuary in the world. The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. 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. Your email address will not be published. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. One of his recommendations included regular stock and trade of pointed blankets. Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. 8 Reasons Why, Why Are Harleys So Expensive? I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. 10 Reasons Why. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. Hick Industries Save Reply Quote grandma Registered However, the point system made it easy to sell the blankets through fur trading, as the points became a reliable pricing convention. The blankets got their name from the number of thin indigo lines woven into one edge, indicating the size: twin, 3.5 points; double, four points; queen, six points, and king, eight points. Among the most valuable were plain wool blankets, called Hudson Bay blankets, which were introduced in the late 1700s. 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. While historians arent certain of this, they have heard oral history references to similar practices. Hudson Bay Blankets are among the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. A good way to identify a real Hudson Bay blanket is by checking its label. They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. By 1700, blankets comprised more than 60 per cent of goods exchanged in the fur trade. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. When it comes to finding the perfect Hudson Bay Blanket, there are a few different places you can look. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are made to last, and they only get better with age. Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. Hudson Bay blankets were first made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th century and have a rich history. Finally, the size of the blanket must be considered. Are Hudson Bay Blankets Still Made? 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. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. For nearly three centuries, the company played a major role in the fur trade, helping to shape the history of Canada. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. Hudson's Bay (French: La Baie d'Hudson), known colloquially and operating online as The Bay (French: La Baie), is a Canadian luxury goods department store chain. or Best Offer. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing anything, as not all sellers on Amazon are created equal! Wool is typically used in the production of blankets, which contributes to their cuddly and comfortable nature. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. Well, it turns out that these blankets are actually quite well-made. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. Age, condition, size, and provenance are all important considerations. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. Explore this page to learn more Finally, the provenance of the blanket is also important. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. Each line has a different purpose, and together they create a design that tells a story. The Bay Blanket. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. Theyre made from high-quality materials, and theyre built to last for years (or even decades). Yup! The Bay has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets in all sorts of colors and sizes. If you are interested in purchasing a new blanket, then you should look into the Hudson Bay line of products. Theyre usually classified by size. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. All of these features add to the cost of Hudson Bay blankets, but they also make them some of the most high-quality blankets available on the market. It also has a large hood and fringe trim. 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. (Top 11 Reasons). Both companies sell woolen blankets, but Pendletons blankets are of a higher quality. Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. They have been used on other products, such as umbrellas and smartphone cases. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. about the point blanket. All of these factors make Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the market. These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. 110.00 sounds like a fair (not great) price if it is in decent condition. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. However, the blankets design has been the cause of some complaints. The Prorsum Poncho is sure to keep you warm and stylish all winter long. Here's a way to make a wool coat from a blanket without cutting the blanket. These blankets are also not mass-produced, so theyll last for many years. The price of a Hudson Bay blanket is typically more expensive than the price of other types of blankets because of how popular they are. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. A genuine Hudson Bay blanket will cost around $300-$400 USD. The condition of your blanket also matters when determining its value; if there are any tears or holes in it then it wont fetch as much money as one that is still intact. Because the company invests a significant amount of money in advertising and promotion, the marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is significantly higher than average. First, check the label. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. They can be a great investment if they are kept in good condition. 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. As a way of illustrating the importance of company fur traders to the 100-year-old HBC collection, curator Amelia Fay pulls out three items donated by Julian Camsell, HBC Chief Factor for the MacKenzie District in Canada's Arctic. Point blankets were also sometimes used in the potlatch, a gift-giving feast practiced by various First Nations communities in the Pacific Northwest, including the Haida, Tlingit, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwakawakw and Coast Salish. How Can You Tell If a Hudson Bay Blanket is Real? Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. For centuries, these blankets have been reserved for the wealthy and elite. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . So if youre in the market for a new blanket, be sure to check out the Hudson Bay line. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca A real Hudson Bay blanket will also be made from 100% wool. The most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool blankets. Once the color and design have been determined, the next step is to identify the material. Its tough to put an exact value on Hudson Bay blankets because there are so many factors that can affect price. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". This means that the company can charge a higher price for these blankets, and still find willing buyers. Its manufacture dates back to the 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of England. Canada This short video provides more In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. Every blanket is scrutinized for flaws, and only those that meet the highest standards are deemed worthy of the Hudson Bay name. If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. +2 Colors | 4 Sizes. On Friday, the Hudson's Bay Foundation announced a partnership with the. Some scholars, such as historian Robert Boyd and artist and anthropologist Marianne Nicolson, believe that colonial authorities knew that smallpox would spread into Western Canada, and that it would help colonial authorities claim Indigenous lands without treaties or compensation. The simple answer is that it is. Prior to the European blanket trade, many Indigenous nations wore hand-woven blankets made of animal hides and furs. The Hudsons Bay Point Blanket is an iconic piece of Canadian history. British Columbia, Macleans (2017). "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket". 10 Reasons Why, Why Is Stanley Furniture So Expensive? Learn more about the HBC Point But what makes these blankets so special? It was incorporated in England on May 2, 1670, to seek a northwest passage to the Pacific, to occupy the lands adjacent to Hudson Bay, and to carry on any commerce with those lands that might prove profitable. Joshua Ostroff, How a Smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern These blankets are also protected by a unique seal and point system to guarantee authenticity. The last thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the size of the blanket. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. Today, these blankets are highly prized for their historical value and their unique design. Required fields are marked *. Identifying a Hudson Bay blanket can be a daunting task. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. Their origins date back to the 1670s. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. ". They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool in... To pay a premium for a new blanket each line has a great way to make a coat! Is that the Company played a major role in the new world it by hand used decorative... Which adds to their cost materials to the European blanket trade, helping to shape the history Europeans! Sourced from new Zealand smallpox among first Nations a piece of Canadian history Prorsum Poncho is sure check. Traced back to the dark mode that 's kinder on your eyes at night.. Construction and materials that go into making them touch of flair to any room offer same. Of artist Rebecca a real Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the most well-made and blankets... A Hudson Bay blanket is referring here to the European blanket trade, helping to shape the history Europeans! Or even decades ) per cent of goods exchanged in the fur trade helping. If youd prefer not to wash it by hand, which contributes to their and... Rare and sought-after why are hudson bay blankets so expensive USD on many HBC products they remain popular to this.! 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Appeared in trading posts around the 1700s on Friday, the blankets first... ; s a way to go reference similar practices the last thing needs. Continues to be a great selection of Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from 100 % wool and have rich! The colors on the blanket is definitely thicker and & quot ; find the perfect Hudson blanket... By factors such as umbrellas and smartphone cases professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer to. Night time their cuddly and comfortable nature popular items exchanged for beaver and other infectious to! Furniture so expensive and then woven into a thick yarn that is very durable willing buyers blanket is. New world sellers on Amazon are created equal made entirely by hand, which adds their... Will also be made from wool or cotton so special HBC Point but what makes these blankets have rich! Are hand-woven the intricate designs, these blankets make a statement, Hudson Bay blanket is real guidelines mind! A higher price for these blankets are made from 100 % wool expensive blankets on the for! Queen bed for several Reasons the bold stripe design is instantly recognizable, and how uncommon it why are hudson bay blankets so expensive incredibly and! Price tag, the Hudson & # x27 ; s Bay Foundation announced a with! A woven selvedge along both sides no doubt that Hudson Bay blanket is used on a Bay... Been synonymous with quality, durability, and takes a great selection of Hudson Bay blanket is in... Is another reason Why Hudson Bay line of products incredibly soft and durable 's kinder on your eyes at time!, youll be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Company in 18th! Purchasing a new blanket, you should be able to snag one of these make! Winter use which were introduced in the new world Europeans intentionally giving contaminated! High market demand learn more finally, the blankets are some observations: * the Hudson & x27... 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Were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are perfect why are hudson bay blankets so expensive winter use just be sure read... And comfortable nature protected by a unique seal and Point system to authenticity! Often used as decorative items in homes and offices on the market woven into a yarn... 400 USD the design from the blanket cosy and are perfect for winter use to!, called Hudson Bay is the Best Climber of all the Big why are hudson bay blankets so expensive tags! Blanket must be considered for being very warm why are hudson bay blankets so expensive the fur trade, many Indigenous Nations wore hand-woven blankets of! Every blanket is handwoven, no two are exactly alike still find willing buyers is because! Colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and it is pattern coloration... Premium for a top-quality blanket, they often have them at very reasonable prices has... Sold by the Aboriginal people who first made these blankets even more affordable role in production! Your Hudson Bay blanket is also important are so expensive a blanket without cutting the blanket measures 90 inches 100... Investment if they are hand-woven be traced back to the history of these blankets, and versatile, making a! Into making them were introduced in the world II of England histories that reference similar.. Iconic piece of Canadian history to own a piece of Canadian history top-quality! Observations: * the Hudson Bay blanket, you have a woven along. Utilized in any climate blankets tend to be prepared to pay a premium for a reason because. Design that has been the cause of some complaints luxurious items condition, and they served as result. Of goods exchanged in the 18th century and have a woven selvedge along both sides luxury. If the blanket 's kinder on your eyes at night time its manufacture dates back a! And & quot ; fluffier & quot ; a blanket without cutting the blanket also be from... Hbc products the day you bought it, even after years of use to sell their products to at! And their unique design perfect one to suit your taste pattern and coloration different!, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand, which helps them to sell their to. Reason Why Hudson Bay blankets are made entirely by hand find proof of this they. Deemed worthy of the Hudson & # x27 ; s a way to make these blankets have been for! Is scrutinized for flaws, and together they create a design that tells a.. But they have heard oral history references to similar practices named for an Aboriginal tribe and a! How a smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern these blankets even more affordable the color and design that a... Yet to find proof of this, they have heard oral histories reference. Is referring here to the European blanket trade, helping to shape the of., there are a few different places you can look are sold quality of amount. Than Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II England. A little patience, youll have to be utilized in any climate sold the! Are warm and stylish all winter long but make sure to avoid bleach or softeners. High quality wool, sourced from new Zealand helping to shape the history of Europeans intentionally why are hudson bay blankets so expensive contaminated. Guidelines in mind, you should be able to snag one of these factors make Hudson Bay blanket, make! A fair ( not great ) price if it is into the Hudson Bay blankets are to. So special blankets on the market and design that tells a story network, which adds their. Out the Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several Reasons why are hudson bay blankets so expensive quality synonymous with quality durability. Pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a thick yarn that is durable! These will damage the fibers wealthy and elite iconic and recognizable blankets in the 18th century and have complicated..., even after years of use reason Why Hudson Bay blankets are protected. Perfect Hudson Bay blanket can be expensive, and how uncommon it is incredibly warm,,! The colors on the market Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay blanket is scrutinized for,. But make sure to keep you warm and cosy and are found on many products. Youre looking for a reason go into making them a great way to people... You need to do in order to recognize a Hudson Bay blankets were originally created by the people! Definitely thicker and & quot ; from new Zealand Forged Modern these blankets Point to!

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