Object Details
- Description
- Sample of Peruvian Mestizo raw cotton fiber; Wonalancet Co., NH; 1913. Raw Peruvian Mestizo Cotton. Always characterized, by stain and more or less of the inside of the cotton "boll or "'scruff" remaining with the cotton: Nearly always quite '"leafy" 'in comparison with high types of white Peruvians, Value:- Varies according to amount of leaf, seed, sand and clay and color: Instances have been known where one bale (weighing 200 lbs.) of the lower grades of Mestizo cotton contained 20% of clay. [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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- date made
- 1913
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Wonalancet Company, Nashua, NH
- Physical Description
- cotton (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 6 in x 8 in x 14 in; 15.24 cm x 20.32 cm x 35.56 cm
- Object Name
- raw cotton sample
- cotton fiber
