$2,500.00
Hudson’s Bay Co Indian 4 Point Blanket C- 1860s. The English developed these type striped blankets in the early 1730s, then in the later part of the 18th century, HBC began producing the blanket that would become standard of the frontier Fur Trading business. These goods were referred to as Point Blankets due to the stripes sewn into the edges used for trading for beaver amongst the western tribes. Up to four stripes are seen on these, and each point represented one adult beaver pelt. Indians like to barter, and the stripes did not allow for haggling, soon the stripes were used as a means of sizing blankets. 4 was the largest number offered.
Measurements are 75 x 86 inches, with stripes being 5 inches. Cut ends, and woven edges. Color is light gray with light blue specks, and brown stripes. Some stain spots, and very minor moth holes of a tiny nature. All in all, an excellent example. Found in New York State. Due to the size of the blanket, I photographed it showing a half only.
I have included four images of plains Indians wearing these blankets. Photos are from Vol 4, Clothing and Textiles of the Fur Trade, pages 213-214. Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, Nebraska.
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