Vintage Pullman Company Cloth Hand Towel – Sleeping Car Berth or Washroom

As shown. See all photos. 23” x 16.25”

“The Pullman Company, founded by George Pullman, was a manufacturer of railroad cars in the mid-to-late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century, during the boom of railroads in the United States. Through rapid late-19th century development of mass production and takeover of rivals, the company developed a virtual monopoly on production and ownership of sleeping cars.

This very nice cotton hand towel was made for the Pullman Company. As a major supplier of passenger equipment to America's railroads in the 20th century, Pullman provided quality items including linens and hand towels for use in sleeping car berths and the washrooms of individual cars. The towels, made of rugged cotton fabric with a nubby weave, were designed to stand up to heavy use.

The blue decoration is attractive with a woven in (not dyed) design. We believe this style of towel was used during Pullman's later days in the 1950s–1960s.”