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The History List

"Victory" blanket showing the stars from Washington's HQs flag — Made in America

"Victory" blanket showing the stars from Washington's HQs flag — Made in America

Regular price $ 89.95
Regular price Sale price $ 89.95
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

"The Victory blanket is great quality, beautifully designed, and as an added bonus, a great conversation piece!" - Amanda R.

"Love the Victory blanket! This blanket is great and made a perfect gift for a fellow history lover. Soft, warm, good size, and very attractive." - Jonathan M.

"I’ve had my blanket about a month now and use it every evening on the sofa while watching tv or reading. It the high quality that all History List products are and made in the USA. General Washington would approve, I’m sure." - Helen. K.


Recognizing Washington’s daring attack on Trenton on Christmas Night. Conditions were brutal. In fact, two men froze to death waiting for the crossing. Two other planned crossings didn’t make it. Only Washington’s. The attack was a rout, and just in time. The war had been going very badly and for a large number of Washington’s men, their commissions would be up in a few days. “Victory or death” was the pass phrase Washington assigned to his camp in the days leading up to the crossing.  Early on the 26th, it was, victory, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time in the war.

Our design precisely traces the stars on a surviving flag used at George Washington’s headquarters. Woven in America.  And only available here.  

Thanks to all the folks who ordered, we appreciate all the positive reviews you've shared.

— Lee Wright | Founder | The History List | History Camp | The Pursuit of History


Made in America from 100% combed, natural cotton. The design, with a perfect tracing of each individual star from George Washington's Headquarters Flag, is woven as part of the blanket; it's not simply printed on. And it's woven on a Jacquard loom, which makes this even more interesting. 

Size: 54" x 70"

Care instructions: Hand or machine wash in cool water using a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry or dry on a cool cycle.

The story behind the design: Our original design shows George Washington's Headquarters Flag and includes the sign/countersign used by the Continental Army the night they crossed the Delaware to attack the Hessian garrison at Trenton, along with the dates of the crossing and the attack. (See the map below.)

Washington and his troops were victorious, capturing 1,000 prisoners along with muskets, powder, and artillery. In the battle, three Americans were killed and six wounded, while 22 Hessians were killed and 98 wounded. More on the historic events below.

Comes with a hang tag that includes a historical quote, background on the event, and a historical map. Thanks to Larisa, one of our Regional Editors, for suggesting using this design for the blanket.

This design is also available in a crewneck shirt for men and womenlong-sleeved shirtcrewneck sweatshirtwomen's v-neck shirtwoven scarf, woven socks that are made in the USA, as well as a stickermagnet, and enamel pin. 

 


Historic Event behind the Design

He appeared much depressed and lamented the ragged and dissolving state of his army in affecting terms. I gave him assurances of the disposition of Congress to support him, under his present difficulties and distresses. While I was talking to him I observed him to play with his pen and ink upon several pieces of paper. One of them by accident fell upon the floor near my feet. I was struck with the inscription upon it. It was “victory or death.”

— Benjamin Rush, Philadelphia physician, member of the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence, recounting his visit to General Washington in December four miles from the Delaware River. 

The countersign for the troops for the attack on Trenton was “Victory or Death.” More than 2,400 soldiers,18 cannons, and 75-100 horses crossed the Delaware during a “violent storm of rain, hail, and snow.”

The Americans captured 896 Hessians and killed 22. Three Americans were killed and six wounded, including a near-fatal wound to future president James Monroe. Enlistment for most men was to expire December 31st. 

 A map of the Delaware River area depicting the route George Washington and his Army made during the crossing, by William Faden, an English cartographer and a publisher of maps. He printed the North American Atlas in 1777, and ". . . it became the most important atlas chronicling the Revolution's battles." There were 29 maps in the atlas, and they included detailed battle maps drawn by eyewitnesses.

Source: Wikipedia (large image of the mapBy William Faden - Library of Congress, Public Domain

Shipping

Key dates for the 2024 holiday shopping season

For our regular merchandise. Does not include personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds. See below for more information on these.
  • December 13 at 2 pm Eastern: Our recommended deadline for domestic Christmas delivery via USPS. While we can't guarantee delivery, regardless of carrier, our hope is that if you order by December 13, USPS will have be able to get orders to domestic addresses by Christmas. This date is more conservative than the date published by USPS. We want to be sure that everyone gets their gift in time.

  • December 19 at 2 pm Eastern: Orders for in-stock items (excluding Rare Finds) received by 2 pm Eastern Monday through Friday will ship the same day if you specify UPS 3 Day Select delivery.

  • December 23 at noon: The last day to ship orders before Christmas. If you want to have something shipped overnight, call Lee Wright at 469-233-7712 by noon Eastern to find out whether that's possible and the shipping charge.  

For  personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds purchased after December 13

  • If you purchase a Rare Find item after December 13 and want it delivered by Christmas, contact Lee Wright as soon as you make your purchase to see what the options are.

 


For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International shipping) 

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.

 

Timing

We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer. If there is an extended delay, it will be noted on the product page.

We close for a week over Independence Day and Christmas. A notice will appear at the top of every page of the site in advance of this closure.

We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.

If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping. 

If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."

Additional notes:

  • When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
  • If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
  • If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.

    Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses

    • Free shipping
      • On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.

    • US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.) 

      • $5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

        Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.

      • $8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

    We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.

      UPS 3 Business Day Select 

      Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.

      Cut off time: Orders received by 8 am Eastern will ship the same business day.  Orders received after that time will ship the next business day. Applies to in-stock items that do not require personalization or signing. 
        UPS's normal (non-holiday) delivery guarantee is by the end of the third business day, and this includes delivery on Saturday.  This applies to the 48 contiguous states. 
          • $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

          • $18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

          • If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

        • UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
        Before placing your order, call 469-233-7712.

        For shipments to addresses outside the United States

        Destinations

        We only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.

        Charges

        • Canada and Mexico

          • Rate starts at $40.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs, hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
        • Rest of the World

          • Rates starts at $65.00.

        Additional charges for all destinations

        Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge.  If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.

        If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

          All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

          All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

          Mission

          Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.

          View full details

          Customer Reviews

          Based on 20 reviews
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          M
          MARYANN O.
          Victory or Death Blanket

          Beautiful!! Love the color!! Great Quality! We have it in our Parlor. Great conversation piece! Thank you!

          J
          Jack B.
          Awesome!

          Great in every way!

          G
          Gary P.
          George Washington victory blanket

          I absolutely love this!!! It is of high quality and absolutely 100% as advertised and more. If you love George Washington, this is a must!!

          J
          Jessica L.
          It’s Perfect

          This blanket is incredibly high quality and I could not be happier! Thank you!

          A
          Adrienne T.
          Love This Blanket!

          As always the quality of everything we've bought from The History List is top notch!
          Thanks for this beautiful blanket throw, I bought it for my husband as a Christmas gift and he will be thrilled!

          C
          CPN4
          Victory Blanket

          We love this patriotic throw. Very well made.

          A
          Annalise
          High quality blanket

          This is a beautiful blanket. It feels like it should have cost twice as much, it's so high quality and well-made. And for its size, it somehow manages to be very lightweight, which is perfect because it can be used year-round instead of confined to the winter. Very pleased with the size, weight, craftsmanship, packaging, and service.

          B
          Benjamin J.H.
          Absolutely beautiful jacquard woven blanket

          Following the pattern of General George Washington's battle/headquarters flag, this beautiful jacquard-eoven blanket looks great as a throw and is surprisingly warm. Absolutely love this blanket, a real head-turner and conversation starter. They also make great gifts!!