Featured What is my problem?!

Went to an estate sale today to hunt around for items to flip..

Wouldnt you have it, something I dont need but must have
I really am my own worst enemy


As soon as I saw it I knew it was coming home with me.
Original ornate frame, original wavy glass, favorite subject matter....
I knew the artist right off the bat and the time period because of the over sized engraving I bought at another estate sale
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/looking-for-info-on-picture-and-how-to-hang-it.10227/

This one measures 3'x3.5'

I probably paid too much for it to feel justified in reselling it at auction and itll probably sit in my booth for ages, but idk, there arent many pieces like this one around either..


Its titled 'The Village Blacksmith' by John Frederick Herring.
The painting was inspired by a poem written by Herny Longfellow.
The Belmont Mansion has an engraving hanging upstairs.
This website claims, "The Cosmopolitan Art Association purchased both Herring’s painting and Patterson’s plate and copyright. They published the engraving exclusively for their members for the Fifth Year 1858-1859."
http://www.belmontmansion.com/the-village-blacksmith

Im not sure if that means there is only a very limited number of copies out there or not. I saw the same engraving in an less ornate frame, but with no foxing from what I saw, went for around $450.

Without further adieu, my out of control habit

 

For a moment there I thought you had bought Herring's original.

Well, who knows how rich our members are?

 

Im not near that fancy

 

I think it's terrific. Congrats!

 

Looks like the kitten approves.

I'd have picked it up in a heartbeat. I have more prints than I have wall space, but I can't stop. It's not actually hoarding because I rotate them. I'd have bought this just for the gorgeous frame.

 

I know! The frame is fabulous!
I talked about putting it in the up coming auction, but I just dont know if itd bring what Id like.
I can really only compare it to one other recent item, Older hand painted art of a exceedingly messed up looking elk in a good early frame with original wavy glass, brought $70, but it was advertised for awhile.
Id want more for this..
Is that unrealistic?

 

Great find! I think $70+ would be a totally fair price for something like this. Especially with the age of the item - that wood backing is beautiful.

 

Even if I got $100, after my commission Id only be making $15.
I dont know if I can justify selling it for a small profit of $15.