Bargain or dud?
 

I got this fabric yesterday at my local Goodwill. It was on a roll, 48" WOF, $3 for 4.5 yards. It's obviously old, but how do I know of it's 100% cotton? It is very soft and is not shiny at all but almost "slick" feeling like chintz. I've tried google with no luck.

I wanted to include a picture but did not see that option when I posted (I'm on Android phone). ???

You can do a burn test to see what it is. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/fabric-burn-test-to-identify-fibers-2821302

At 48" wide it might be upholstery or drapery fabric. In the mid 1960's US manufacturers started making cotton fabric 45" wide after years of 36" wide widths. I think you have a nice find...whether we can see the fabric or not.

Yes a burn test will help you identify the fabric content.

is there any information printed on the selvage?

Wash and dry it first (without fabric softeners), then iron it with your iron on the hottest setting. If it has polyester in it, it will give off an unpleasant smell you are not familiar with, because you don't get that nasty odor when ironing with cotton. (The hottest setting is too hot for polyester.)

If what you have is a polished cotton, it was probably meant for drapes. If that is the case, when you wash it the gloss will disappear, but you will be left with a decent woven cotton, maybe a little heavier than clothing weight. I have used it for totes and such.

I just did the burn test and hubby and I both agree, definitely cotton! So I think I got a bargain! If I figure out how to post a picture, I'll share. :-)