Union-Castle Line Blankets
Beige Wool With Blue Stripes
P55

Items from SS RITA (ex WINDSOR CASTLE, MARGARITA L)

80 Inches Long by 56 Inches Wide
Beige And Blue Wool
Stitched Union-Castle Line Monogram
Original Vintage Union-Castle Line Item
Price: $60.00 USD plus shipping

A sample unfurled and a close up view of the lettering. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2006.

I obtained a small quantity of these beautifully made wool blankets from Alang, not realizing until I separated them for cleaning that there is a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes. These particular blankets have P55 under the Union-Castle Line lettering. I have contacted some UCL alumni, but none can verify exactly what the letter and number mean. Initially, I would have thought it to be the name of a cabin, but there are too many P55s and P56s and not enough other lettered blankets for this to be the case. It has been sugggested that the P stands for passenger and the number is the year the blanket was made. This could well be the case since many linens from earlier Union-Castle Line ships probably found their way onto the 1960-built RMS WINDSOR CASTLE during her heyday.

The blankets are in quite good condition but some have a small stain or fray that could probably use some gentle attention after their many years of service and existence. I will select what I feel are the ones in best condition to offer first.