PLEASE do NOT do this!!
Dry cleaners use chemicals you do NOT want on your quilt.
Dry cleaners use big heavy machinery and often unskilled labor that are not gentle on old fabrics.
Dry cleaners are not known for their skill with this kind of vintage textile.

There is enough damage to the sashing fabrics (which were likely home-dyed at the time) to affect the value of your quilt and it's stability for washing. Love and enjoy it as is, display away from sunlight if possible.

Where in VA along the James? I'm in the Lynchburg area which is right on the James; just curious.

Jan in VA

Pleasure to look at. Very pretty. Please do not dry clean. I had some perfectly good new items, comforter and clothing, ruined by dry cleaning. Let us know what you find out.

This is one BEAUTIFUL quilt!

I collect the Quilt Documentation books from all states that have them. I think your library may have some books on old quilts.

I agree with everyone "Don't do anything to it" until you find out more information.

Thanks for sharing it. I will watch to see if you find any more information. You are lucky to have this quilt.

What an amazing treasure!

My first husband had a quilt that he said his granny made. That thing weighed about 20 lbs. It was made of any kind of fabric that she could get her hands on. It mostly looked like pieces of coats and heavy work pants. The stuffing was a couple of old blankets. It was tied about every 2" with doubled string. I don't know what happened to it. It was not in his belongings when he passed away. I would say it was probably made in the 1920's or 30's.

Thanks for all of the advice. I will definitely NOT dry clean it. To Jan in VA-- my brother lives in Carrollton, just outside of Norfolk, at the mouth of Chuckatuck (sp?) Creek where it empties into the James River. I will let everyone know what I find out. Thanks again!

I would say late 1800's. Very nice. Try to preserve any info on the quilt as to where it came from, who made it, etc.