There are two books out there that can help you with dating the fabrics:
Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960
Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1950-2000
I have found these online for under $20 used. I don't own them, but have seen them in my guild library. Maybe some QB member that owns them can look up the fabrics for you.
BTW, I've been known to rescue "unlovable" looking quilts, too. I've actually taken them apart and kept the fabrics I've wanted and tossed the rest. For $2 it probably would have come home with me, too!