Featured Basket of Fruit Painting Help

Hi all,
The frame is 12 1/2" x 15", the painting is 7" x 10". Don't know where this has been but it is quite dusty with a white powder on it.
I'm not sure if that is a signature on the lower left corner or if I'm seeing things. Has Shattuck Stretcher Keys on the four corners, a label for 'Pragers Always Reliable', which, from what I found on-line, was a department store.
Does this look like it could be old, late 1800s to early 1900s? I'm not sure how long the stretcher keys were popular.
Does it look like it was done by a Hobbyist or maybe a student painter?
any information appreciated.
thanks for looking

 

Does look like a faint signature. Not a student painting in my opinion, I would think the artist had some formal training. I think that the patent date on the brackets is contemporary with the painting. It is very nice, I would put it up on the wall in my house.

 

that hardware is not new !
and those cherries look like they're from Wa. State...

 

If you have a UV light, shine it on the painting in a dark room. That sometimes helps you to see the signature.

 

thank-you Lithographer Glad I'm not seeing things there. I agree, it is a nice painting

will try that later tonight to see if it shows up better

thank-you komokwa yes, the patent dates on the stretcher key is 1883 and 1885

 

Prager's opened in 1902 and closed in 1921. Not a student work; done by someone who knew his/her French Impressionists.

Debora

 

That's a handsome piece! Definitely older. I think it's quite nice, too!

 

I agree it is lovely.

 

Beautiful painting.

 

thanks for all the replies folks
I tried to get a photo under a blacklight, but this is the best I can do. If that is a signature, it will remain unknown I'm afraid