Antique Hudson's Bay Blanket Label Guide
If you are a fan of antique Hudson's Bay blankets, then you know that the label on these blankets can provide valuable information about their age and origin. Hudson's Bay blankets have been produced since the late 18th century and are still popular today. In this guide, we will explore the different types of labels found on antique Hudson's Bay blankets and what they can tell you about the blanket.
The Early Days of Hudson's Bay Blankets
The earliest Hudson's Bay blankets were made of wool and were often traded with Native Americans in exchange for furs. These blankets did not have a label, but they were identifiable by their colors and patterns. In the early 1800s, Hudson's Bay Company began adding labels to their blankets to help differentiate them from other blankets on the market. These early labels were simple and usually just had the company's name on them.
The Point Blanket Label
The most famous label found on Hudson's Bay blankets is the point blanket label. These labels were first introduced in 1890 and were designed to help customers identify the size of the blanket. The label had a series of black lines, or points, that indicated the size of the blanket. The more points a blanket had, the larger it was. These labels also had the Hudson's Bay Company's logo and the words "100% Wool" on them.
The Beaver Label
The beaver label was first introduced in the 1920s and was used on blankets that were made from beaver wool. These blankets were more expensive than the standard wool blankets and were often sold as luxury items. The beaver label featured a beaver in the center and had the Hudson's Bay Company's logo and the words "100% Beaver" on it.
The Striped Label
The striped label was introduced in the 1930s and was used on blankets that had a striped pattern. These blankets were popular in the United States and were often sold through department stores. The striped label had the Hudson's Bay Company's logo and the words "100% Wool" on it.
The Olympic Label
The Olympic label was introduced in 1932 and was used on blankets that were made for the Winter Olympics. These blankets were sold as souvenirs and were popular with collectors. The Olympic label had the Hudson's Bay Company's logo and the words "Official Winter Olympics Blanket" on it.
The Modern Label
The modern label is used on Hudson's Bay blankets that are produced today. This label features the company's logo and the words "Hudson's Bay Company" on it. These blankets are still made from 100% wool and are available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Conclusion
If you are a collector of antique Hudson's Bay blankets, then understanding the different types of labels found on these blankets can be helpful in determining their age and origin. Whether you are looking for a point blanket, a beaver blanket, or a striped blanket, understanding the labels can help you make an informed purchase.
