Patchwork Quilt Block Appraisal

Framed Antique 'Basket of Scraps' Patchwork Quilt Block

This item is a single, hand-crafted antique quilt block featuring the classic 'Basket' pattern, professionally mounted in a wooden frame behind glass. The quilt block is composed of numerous small, triangular cotton fabric scraps or 'calicoes' that form the body of the basket, while the handle is constructed from slightly larger rectangular pieces arranged in an arc. The fabrics exhibit a variety of prints, including florals, polka dots, and geometric patterns in a muted palette of blues, pinks, tans, and creams, typical of late 19th or early 20th-century textiles. The background and Negative space are ivory cotton with dense, hand-stitched rectangular grid quilting, demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship and time-intensive labor. The quilt piece appears to be in good vintage condition, though the cream background shows a natural patina and slight darkening consistent with age. There is no visible evidence of significant staining, fraying, or moth damage through the glass. The block is housed in a simple, dark-stained oak frame with a slight bevel, which appears to be a mid-to-late 20th-century addition intended for preservation and display. The overall presentation suggests a piece of American folk art or a salvaged fragment from a larger heirloom quilt, likely dating from the 1890s to the 1930s.