It Was Iconic In The '30s — The Rare Blanket Worth A Fortune That's Worth Hunting For

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There are many valuable vintage blankets to look out for at thrift stores, but one model may be especially interesting to any sports fans. In 1932, Los Angeles hosted the Olympic Games — an exciting time for the country, spectators, and the textile brand Pendleton Woolen Mills. The company was selected to make blankets commemorating the Games, and the resulting collection is absolutely worth hunting for today. The next time you hit up your local flea market or antique mall, be sure to thoroughly search the shelves for a 1932 Los Angeles Olympics woolen blanket.

These blankets came in a number of colorways, including burnt orange with yellow-striped ombre, teal with yellow ombre, and purple and white striped. Pendleton only has one of these blankets in its archive, so it's unknown exactly how many colorways it produced. Still, the blankets all share a rustic look characteristic of wool and a variety of rich colors. They're also quite big, so you don't need to worry that you might waste money on a small throw blanket.

You can also tell one of these blankets by looking at the stitched tag in the lower-right corner; it features a man in a toga holding laurels standing in front of a shining sun. The tag labels the piece as a "genuine Olympiad Blanket," and states that it was made with 100% virgin wool in Portland, Oregon. Also, take note of the stitching on the tags — many Pendleton products in the early 20th century appeared to use satin stitching (the same technique used in embroidery) for their tags, so the ones on genuine 1932 Olympiad blankets will appear more textured.

It's unknown exactly how many Pendleton Olympiad blankets are in circulation today. A photo from the Pendleton archives shows the blankets being shipped to Los Angeles, accompanied by a banner claiming that there were enough to fill two train cars. So, while not impossible to track down, these blankets are a true thrift store gem.

Depending on the quality, they can sell for hundreds of dollars, but their worth comes from more than a low supply. Established in the early 20th century, Pendleton Woolen Mills was already a popular brand by the time the 1932 Olympics rolled around. It was well known for producing colorful work shirts and other blankets, including a series dedicated to national parks. It seems that the Olympiad blankets would be a popular collector's item in any decade, but the amount of time that has passed since they were first produced just makes them more valuable than ever.

If you decide to hold onto your new Pendleton blanket, there are a number of ways to incorporate it into your home. For a blanket that has been damaged and may not be worth reselling anyway, you could transform it into a curtain or use it as upholstery or fabric for a throw pillow. Of course, these blankets can also be used for their original purpose of snuggling up and staying warm. Being made of wool, they're sure to accomplish that goal, and their rustic, cowboy-inspired design makes them perfect accents in homes with a western design. The blankets can also be easily stored in plain sight without looking cluttered. Just be sure not to wash your wool blanket in the washing machine. Instead, use a trusted dry cleaner to keep your vintage find in good condition.