Navajo rug and carpet textiles circa1920?

Question

have a navajo blanket.. Had someone say there is a difference between a 1st chief or 2nd chief rug, Question being how can one tell if it was 1920 or 1940 blanket. The only thing I think I have read was that a 1920s era was wove with three strand cotton , and the later made ones were a 4 strand cotton. Anyone have any clues how to determine the age of this blanket. 100% sure it was navajo woven and also know it was made between 1920 and 1940. Also anyone know a legit appraiser? The only one we found was aslo a potential buyer so I didn't have him appraise them as it seemed a conflict of interest. All info is greatly appreciated. 10 points to best help

Answer 1

Really enjoyed your question. I have a blanket that my Grandparents gave to my Father. before he married my Mother. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 87. (so now you know about how old I am----old). I didn't know all the stuff you were talking about in your question. I do know it was made  in the 20's, and is in perfect condition.  I wish you luck in finding out more about it. You definitely have put me on a search. Thanks

Answer 2

I think the person was jiving you.  Traditional Navajo rugs are made of wool, not cotton.  You may be thinking of 4-ply wool yarn which was purchased commercially and is not nearly as valuable as hand spun wool.  First Chiefs blankets were also made long before the 1900's and were definitely not made of cotton.

http://www.chiefsblankets.com/