Well, it certainly is beautiful! I am wondering exactly what kind of verification there is that it is from 1840? I guess I just think the fabric colors would not still be quite so vibrant. I have a quilt (family heirloom) that does date back to 1876....ugliest quilt I have ever seen...but it is MINE!!! The fabrics in it are just not as vibrant as these. I think (as with lots of things on ebay) it is 'buyer beware'.