Sample of Peruvian full rough raw cotton; Wonalancet Co., NH; 1913

Description:

Sample of Raw Peruvian Full Rough Cotton; Stained: Has varying staple length from 1" - 1-1/4". There are many grades of the same variety; no regular type can be made. Value:- Varies from $0.01 - $0.05 lb. below highest type. [per 1913 Accession folder information]

The cost and long supply chain of wool imports into the US (which did not produce enough wool to meet domestic demand during the heyday of the American woolen industry) led manufacturers to explore substitutes and additives. Specific strains of Peruvian and Chinese cotton were exploited for this purpose, as being "wool-like" in staple length and feel.

The Wonalancet Co. was incorporated in 1905 by Harry Harmon Blunt in Nashua, NH. The company imported cotton from Piura and Lima, Peru, and from China; it was in existence at least into the mid 1970s.

Date Made: 1913

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Peru

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Textiles, American Textile Industry

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of the Wonalancet Company, Nashua, NH

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: TE.T00711.000Catalog Number: T00711.000Accession Number: 55402Catalog Number: T711

Object Name: raw cotton samplecotton fiber

Physical Description: cotton (overall material)Measurements: overall: 4 1/2 in x 5 in x 12 in; 11.43 cm x 12.7 cm x 30.48 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b4-f1dc-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_648512

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.