Is the block finished, as in already quilted with a backing to it? Or is it just the top layer, unquilted?

If it's quilted already, you can always hand stitch an edging to it if you don't have a sewing machine. You can either frame it or use it as a mini-wall hanging, hung with straight pins.

Or you can use it as a doily but the design would be hidden.

I used to make purses with old quilt blocks.

I'd love to see a picture!

It is already quilted. Would you suggest a colored edging or a muslin? I was thinking a colored edging might scream add on, but a muslin might be boring:)

I really wanted to hang it up on the wall.

Here is a link that might be useful: picture of block

I would not finish it, any modern fabric would look add on. I would just hang it up as is- I think it would be charming.

These are Molas, not quilt blocks but this may give you an idea of how to work with your fabric piece. They are blind stitched from the back to the fabric matte and kept out of direct sunlight. I pulled a coordinating color from each one to use for the backing. These are more rustic than your piece so your backing fabric could be finer grained to complement it.

This is why I am so thankful for this group! YES - thanks dlm2000 awesome inspiration for what to do.
I'll still take any other ideas:) but I can see now what I might can do.

Thanks everyone!

If you know where the original quilt was made, please make an effort to include this information with the block. You should use acid-free mat or backing for this piece. It is already showing a lot of fading, so please keep it out of any direct or reflected sun. I have a gorgeous tulip applique quilt made with the turkey reds and greens. I display it at times, but keep it in acid free tissue and muslin. It was made by my triple great grandmother in the 1870's and she brought it with her from Illinois to Kansas via covered wagon. If you have any info like that, please include it in the provenance as you display this piece. The stitches are neat and tiny on your piece, it was made with much love and care. I wonder why it was cut into pieces? It would not have been quilted until it was assembled as a full quilt so it was cut apart later.

That's great information, prairiemom re making sure that the material for the backing (gorgeous, dlm!) needs to be acid-free. kjmama, is there a high-quality, dedicated quilting store near you? (not something like Michaels, I mean) If not, maybe write to a quilting website and ask them what you should use for backing.

(and prairiemom, as a novice quilt collector, I'd love to see a pic of your quilt as well...hint : ))

My first guess re the cut into pieces was that maybe the seller purchased it as a fully-made quilt with some problem areas, and cut out the still-beautiful squares to use or sell individually. You'll see those on eBay every so often. You're right that it wouldn't have been quilted unless it had been originally already sewn together...

Flyleft, I'll try to post a pic of my applique quilt next week. I'm out of town right now.