Hudson Bay Company Original Hudson Bay Blankets

Hudson's Bay Blankets don't just last a lifetime, they last generations! That’s right I said generations. These 100% Wool Blankets are still loomed in England, and are only available from select stores in the United States and Canada. Hudson Bay Blankets are pricy, but sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself to something that you know is going to last you the rest of your life and our Hudson Bay Blankets will do just that. As a matter of fact if taken care of, these blankets could end up being cherished by your great great grandchildren.

Hanks Clothing is proud to offer you the finest blankets made today, the original, Hudson Bay Blanket.

History of the Hudson Bay Blanket

Origins

For over two centuries the Hudson's Bay Company point blanket has been a familiar item in Canada and around the world. It is enjoyed as much today as when it was first introduced into the fur trade in 1780.

A Common Misconception Of The Point System
When talking about Hudson Bay Blankets the point system is often mentioned. The blankets currently come in 4 Point, 6 Point, and 8 Point. Many people are led to believe that Beaver the points stood for the number of beaver pelts that were required to obtain the blanket. A 4 Point required 4 pelts where as an 8 Point required 8 pelts. That isn’t true. Each blanket was graded as to weight and size 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 in.; a half point measured half that length. The standard measurements for a pair of 1 point blankets was: 2 ft. 8 in. wide by 8 ft. in length; with a weight of 3 lb. 1 oz. each. Points ranged from 1 to 6, increasing by halves depending upon the size and weight of the blanket. The number of points represented the overall finished size of the blanket, not its value in terms of beaver pelts. Today the Points stand for size of the blanket. A 4 Point is a Twin, a 6 Point is a Queen, and an 8 Point is a King Size. They are cut very generous and will fit most modern sized mattresses with ease.

Often Copied But Never Duplicated
The Hudson's Bay Blanket is probably one of the most copied blanket there is. It’s familiar multi stripe design is instantly recognizable. Hudson Bay Blankets Worn By Blackfoot Indians CA. 1925 One thing is for sure though…there is no substitute for the Genuine article in this case.

Made in England for over 200 years the Genuine Hudson Bay Blanket can be copied but never duplicated. Each blanket is made with a blend of 100% pure wool that is a blend of wool from areas in England, Wales, New Zealand, and India. Each type of wool maintains different characteristics that give the Hudson Bay Blanket its uniqueness that can never be duplicated. These are soft, warm, and so durable they can be passed on down from generation to generation. So make sure when you purchase your Hudson Bay Blanket it is an original. There is no substitute.

Tales From People Who Have Owned Hudson Bay Blankets

Nothing says it quit like you can. Here are some tales of the Hudson Bay Blanket as posted on the HBC website (opens in new window):

When I was 3 months old my parents bought three tickets for 25 cents on a raffle for a church group fundraiser. First Prize was a red HBC blanket with four black stripes - that could be cut in the centre to make two blankets. (This is what is called an unseparated pair. All HBC blankets used to be packaged and sold this way, and were only separated at the time of sale - Ed.) Both blankets are still in the family. When I was getting married I told my father that I was going to take both blankets with me. He was convinced that my new husband and one blanket would be quite enough to keep me warm, so he got to keep the other! When my own children were preparing to leave home there were many discussions about who should get to take the blanket with them. It was decided that I would keep the blanket. After all, if their grandfather were to pass on the other blanket would come to me. Then of course, since I have two children, they would each eventually get one blanket from me. Over the years the blankets have moved from northern Ontario to northern B.C., back to Ontario and now are both with me here on Vancouver Island. They’ve traveled back and forth across this country almost as much as the original fur traders. But the kids will have to wait. Their papa is now seventy years old and neither he nor I have any intention of giving up our blankets which have kept two generations of our family warm to this day.

“We were out hunting and the car got stuck in mud. We placed the blanket under the back wheel; the wheel spun, it gripped and out we came, leaving a hole in one corner of Old Faithful. Part of it I cut off and sewed up into a pair of heavy socks and used them all winter during a mail trip. We still have the old blanket after thirty years of service, somewhat faded certainly, but like Johnny Walker scotch, still going strong. During all those years the only hole was where the auto wheel ground it. It never frayed, and only during the last few years of very rough usage did it fade.”

“I have a pair of 4-point blue-striped white HBC blankets which have been in continual use for over 55 years. My father, David Marrison, settled on the north west of Portage Plains in 1871 - about six miles from a village called Totogan. There was a Hudson’s Bay Company post there which within my own recollection was managed by a Frenchman whose name was Maxime Vilbraunt. The date of purchase (approximately) can be vouched for by reliable parties if you need such statements. My mother once told me they were on my bed when I was born, which is over fifty-five years ago. The blankets have been washed and washed. They have been carefully yarned and have many years of usefulness yet.”