Colorful and graphically patterned, trade blankets were introduced in the 1890s, marketed to Native Americans at federally licensed trading posts. A handful of American woolen mills produced the blankets during their heyday, from 1892 to 1942. By the time of World War II, only one trade-blanket manufacturer, Pendleton, remained. But today, vintage trade blankets are sought after by collectors. Age, color, pattern, and condition are all factors in their collectibility, although most vintage trade blankets sell for less than $1,000. Labels like these can help collectors identify and date blankets, but presence of a label doesn't affect collectibility.