An 80 year old's husband's grandmother - these tops and blocks could date back to the 1870's or thereabouts. I agree with the others that it would be fine for you to machine quilt them and use them, if that is what you want to do. If they were mine, however, I would first take them to an expert on vintage quilts, just for my peace of mind - and curiosity. There must be a quilt museum somewhere near you where I think they would be happy to look at them and tell you whether you have something that should be preserved, rather than used. You wouldn't be looking for an appraisal, which would probably cost $$. It's a bit sad that all this was apparently stored away for such a long time, rather than used and enjoyed, but what a wonderful treasure for you now.