Need help with Berne signature on oil painting

Does anyone recognize the artist's signature (Berne') on this oil painting? The date on the back shows it was framed in 1963 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (it didn't have a frame when I bought it several years ago at a thrift store). The canvas looks like heavy linen and is stapled to the frame (the paper backing is loose on one corner so I was able to see the back of the canvas). I'm thinking it was probably painted by an amateur, but wanted to know if anyone is familiar with this signature before I sell it. I haven't been able to learn anything by searching online.

 

Certainly signed with confidence. I couldn't find anything relevant either. Framing was ordered shortly before Christmas. Maybe parent having offspring's work made professional looking as a gift for the artist, or to give to another family member, such as grandma?

 

LOVE whatever the painting is propped against!

 

Thank you silverthwait. It's a butternut secretary and I love it too even though it has cracked glass, some bad repairs and other condition issues.

 

Wow! Really IS pretty! And your photo shows no glitches. Brad may see some, but not me.

 

Lots of Bernes in Milwaukee at that time (according to familysearch.org.) Bet someone painted and had framed for family member.

Debora

 

It looks like department store art to me.

 

I took another look at the stretcher, and it's marked Grumbacher. Does that make it more likely to be painted by an amateur/hobby artist instead of department store art?

 

Department store art would already be framed. Framer still in business. One could always ask...

Debora

 

The frame might have parted ways years ago, so that doesn't mean much. Can't hurt to ask.

 

I just thought of another angle....the pencil writing on the back indicates the framed painting was sold for $121.00 ($85 for the painting and $36 for an oak frame).
According to Eitel's website (now known as Bresler Eitel Art & Framing Gallery), it looks like it evolved from a framing gallery that was purchased by a paint store that was purchased by an art gallery. Maybe a local artist sold their paintings through the framing gallery and someone purchased it along with a frame (as a Christmas present for someone).

 

Maybe I was wrong in my previous post. It doesn't actually say the painting cost $85. It says, "Oil painting to have frame" and farther down (not shown) is very faint writing that looks like "oak frame $6.50 per foot," so maybe the basic framing charge was $85 plus $36 for an oak frame?? Anyway, I think I've come to the conclusion that the painting isn't worth much. I liked the colors when I bought it, but they're probably not what people like nowadays.

 

where's the oak frame go???

 

Someone removed it before I acquired the painting -- maybe they liked the frame but not the painting.

 

The style is similar to still life prints I've had from circa 1940s or so.