Wool Blankets During the Fur Trade

For over two centuries the Hudson's Bay Company point blanket has been a familiar article of trade in North America and in Canada. It is enjoyed as much today as when it was first introduced into the fur trade in 1780. It is thought that Monsieur Germain Maugenest first suggested to the Company's London Committee that "pointed blankets" become a regular trade item
In November of 1779, Monsieur Maugenest met with the Board at Hudson's Bay House in London to deliver his "Proposals of the Terms" under which he would enter into Hudson's Bay Company's service. He offered several suggestions for improving the growing inland trade from Fort Albany along the west coast of James Bay. One suggestion was that "pointed" blankets become a regular trade item.
By December 1779, the sample blankets had been received by the Committee and an order was issued for 500 pairs of blankets. Although these blankets were a familiar article of trade to the natives and Hudson's Bay Company men prior to 1780, it was not until the first shipment to Fort Albany in the spring of that year that they were shipped to the posts on a regular basis.