From our friends at Wambaugh, White, & Company's new run of Federal issue blankets!
The U.S. Army specified a “gray” 5 pound blanket measuring 7′ long by 5 ½’ wide and although this was the standard, wartime exigency, manufacturing variation, and relaxed inspections resulted in a much wider variety of blankets being issued. This reproduction is based on an original in WW& Company's collection. Several months of development resulted in a custom yarn blended from gray and brown sheep's wool produced specifically for these blankets. The most exciting feature of the original blanket is the yarn used to make the end stripes and the “US”, which was logwood dyed with a heavy copperas mordant. This feature has been replicated exactly for this reproduction, so please understand that the logwood dyed stripes WILL fade...just as with the originals that were logwood dyed.
This reproduction 100% wool blanket reproduction is woven on an antique shuttle loom by Family Heirloom Weavers and made from yarn sourced in the Midwest. Thus, these are 100% American-made.
The blankets weigh just under five pounds, and measure 81" by 78" (they are intentionally over-sized to allow for a modest amount of shrinkage.) They will arrive to you straight off the loom (as per the original) with the yarn and instructions on how to sew the “US” in the center and prepare it for field use. A high resolution photo of the original “US” is included below to illustrate the creative way in which it was sewn.
Because every reproduction blanket based on an original example needs a name, these blankets were named after Michigan General Alpheus S. Williams. This is not because Williams used or owned the original, but simply because Alpheus S. Williams GAR post #40 was located across the street from WW & Co.'s shop, so naturally he is a good namesake for this run.
This product is a limited run, so make sure you order yours today!
