Late 18th Century/Early 19th Century Stencil Work

My boyfriend and I are currently renovating our flat which is part of much larger Georgian townhouse. We have been lucky enough to uncover some beautiful old features which we never imagined we might find when we first looked around the property. Recently, when taking down some old wood-chip wallpaper in our hallway we found a beautiful deep magenta coloured paint on the walls behind and some beautiful stencil work, painted on in a deeper magenta following the dado rail. It looks very old- the pattern goes behind some water pipes etc. The quality is excellent and the colours look typical of Georgian interiors.

We have received some informal advice that it may infact be Georgian stencil work. However, we are now a bit unsure of the next step forward. We have researched having the paint analysed and dated and have been quoted thousands just for initial consultations! Is there any other way of trying to establish how old it is? If it is Georgian it would be very exciting and we would love to try and keep it as a feature which leads on to my next question- as it's not in the best condition, what would be the most cost effective way of restoring it?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Laura