Classic Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) point blanket, 6 point size with white background and light blue wide stripe.
Queen Size, measures a generous 90″ x 101″, weighs approximately 10 pounds. The six point blanket will make a “Capote” coat up to Men’s coat size 56.
Excellent condition, appears nearly new. Made in England.
History of the blanket:
The Hudson’s Bay Company was chartered by King Charles II of
England in 1670. This Royal Charter granted rights to “sole trade and
commerce” in the vast wilderness now known as Canada. Point blankets
were one of the most highly prized trading commodities of the Indians.
The points were known to every Indian as the price to be paid in beaver
belts, i.e. four points = four beaver belts, et cetera.
The French Canadian voyageurs adopted much of the Indian dress
and the point blanket coat, or “capote”. At one time it was possible to
determine the home of a voyageur by the color of his blanket coat. Those
from the Montreal district wore blue coats, those from Quebec
wore red,
and those from Three Rivers wore multi-stripe. Today, points are still
woven into the blankets as an historical reference, and to indicate the
size of the blanket. Woven in England, of selected wools, the Hudson’s
Bay Point Blankets are made to the exacting specifications, as they
were over 300 years ago. They will last a lifetime.
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