How to identify old quilts
Learn how to identify old quilts using pattern, fabric, stitching, dyes, wear, provenance, and condition.
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Learn how to identify old quilts using pattern, fabric, stitching, dyes, wear, provenance, and condition.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, material, completeness, restoration, and demand can materially change value.
Quick checklist
- Photograph the full item, marks, maker labels, measurements, materials, construction, backs, undersides, interiors, and accessories.
- Document condition before cleaning: fading, tears, stains, losses, cracks, missing parts, rewiring, repairs, odors, moth damage, and restoration.
- Keep receipts, service records, provenance, appraisals, tags, boxes, weights, keys, shades, cases, or related sets together.
Note: We couldn’t find enough auction records that directly match How to identify old quilts to publish a defensible price table. If you are valuing a specific item, include its maker, model, material, photos, and condition so the search can be narrowed.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific quilt.
Shown USD range: USD 45-USD 540. Median of these 12 USD examples: USD 209.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
LARGE PATCHWORK QUILT. | Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers | 2015-11-07 | 554 | USD 270 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Antique Tulip Appliqué Quilt | Searchlight / Saucon Valley Auctions | 2025-01-14 | 197 | USD 140 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Victorian crazy quilt | Willis Henry Auctions Inc. | 2015-08-02 | 83 | USD 540 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Antique Quilt | Dovetail Auctions, LLC | 2024-06-29 | 1426 | USD 45 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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An American patchwork quilt | John Moran Auctioneers | 2025-07-30 | 1067 | USD 198 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Appliqué quilt, late 19th c. | Pook & Pook Inc. | 2023-08-17 | 3281 | USD 340 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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AMERICAN CRAZY QUILT. | Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers | 2020-05-07 | 86 | USD 344 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Antique quilt, Turkestan, 1900, patchwork | Henry's Auktionshaus | 2015-02-28 | 5557 | EUR 120 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Vintage Patchwork Quilt | EJ'S Auction & Appraisal | 2024-12-28 | 2268 | USD 110 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Floral appliqué quilt, 19th c. | Pook & Pook Inc. | 2024-07-31 | 7502 | USD 220 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Hand-Embroidered 1930s Antique Quilt Morning Glory | Terri Peters & Associates | 2026-04-25 | 511 | USD 50 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Patchwork quilt 66.5x99” | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2021-10-20 | 1738 | USD 180 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Victorian Crazy quilt | South Bay Auctions Inc | 2022-05-21 | 105 | USD 250 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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