What's it worth? Appraisal of Pittensweem Harbour

Harvey asks:

Wally, Hi  I created a link to my picts below and here is some info.
The watercolor was brought to me by a customer. I am a trading assistant and education specialist trained by eBay and do this for a living. I was on your webinar a few weeks ago hosted by Dana Crawford . I am part of her network. I did find out that this picture is well over 100 yrs because another artist who does watercolors and knows Pittsenweem Harbour well stated he knows the scene and that there are several buildings missing that were built over 100 yrs ago.

Would appreciate your best estimate from the photos at the link below as I want to get the best price for my customers.

http://www.use.com/Watercolor_f320fa0500b462345614

AW says: First of all, I congratulate you on the great job with the pictures you’ve taken, obviously you should provide the link to these in the eBay listing, and any other promotion you do.

Pittensweem Harbour is a well loved Scottish maritime hub. After an extensive check on this artist, and variations of the artists name, I’ve found no indication he/she’s had work sold at major auctions, or galleries in recent history. 

This is not to say for 100% that this artist has not achieved such notoriety, but it appears that way.

No matter, this is the case more often than not with the majority of antique paintings. When this happens, it means we must go on the quality and condition of the work, frame, execution, character of subject, age, location popularity, etc.

Relatively speaking, watercolors don’t sell nearly as well as oil paintings, which seems unfair, because they are much harder to apply detail to.

In this case you would do well to market it overseas of course. 

• The painting, although not the work of a master, is well done.
• The subject is interesting and calm, invoking peace, serenity and a way of life.
• The frame and matting have some water damage, but I would not remove it from it’s frame.
• The frame is gold gilt, Victorian style.
• This is circa mid to early 1900s. 

• Retail value: $275-$325
• Wholesale: $150
• Quick sale: $95

Keywords:

• Pittensweem Harbour
• sailboats
• maritime
• nautical
• Scotland
• art
• Martin
• Watercolor