An original drawing of early twentieth century biplane and car, 9" by 12" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), signed at lower right "Lantz". The work is most likely for an advertisement, for publication. The unusual name makes it tempting to link this to the famed Woody Woodpecker artist Walter Lantz (1899-1994)---and it was found in Southern California, where he worked at the Hollywood studios----but the signature is dissimilar and the work is not the cartoon art for which he is so well known...

A circa 1940 lithograph, signed in the plate, and bearing pencil signature of the printer in margin under the mat, by the noted California Scene artist PHIL PARADISE (1905-1997). This seems to be a scarce work, as I see only two other examples after an online search. Those two were pencil signed by the artist and numbered out of an edition of 100. So we can assume that this was a limited edition...

A colorful and compelling Orientalist watercolor on paper painting of a man of North Africa or the Middle East in traditional garb, signed lower right E. L. S., (the "L" larger than the other letters), measuring 12 1/2" by 10" (32 cm. by 25 cm.) and 20" by 13 3/4" in modern day simple framing. On the reverse side is a study, in pencil, of feet. There are no watermarks in the paper. This is by an obviously talented artist but without further information I cannot tie it to a listed name...

A PAIR of contemporary unframed 8" by 10" oil on canvas paintings of whitewashed buildings and blue seas, as one would see in Santorini or another of the famous Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea, one work signed lower right "Billis". These were likely souvenirs of a great vacation, brought home by tourists wanting some imagery to remind them of the spectacular Greek Islands. I have removed the frames, which were damaged and useless...

A PAIR of oil on canvas paintings, one featuring a large sprig of small white flowers and leaves, the other larger one a vessel on a table filled with and surrounded by violets. Both are signed at lower right in red "L. F. Haftzger", and the larger one has "1899" written on the reverse side of the canvas. Measurements are 12" by 17" (18" by 22 1/4" in dark stained oak frame), the other 8" by 15 1/2" (12 3/4" by 20 1/2" framed). I do not see a listing for an artist of this name...

A circa late twentieth century oil on board painting of steep desert mountains behind a lush golf course with palms, likely in the Coachella Valley of Southern California (Palm Springs and environs), 16" by 20", unframed and unsigned. The work is by a talented hand, though likely still an amateur hand. There are a few light surface abrasions and a small loss area in the sky as seen in the photos...

A printed Marriage Blessing, with adjacent watercolor painting of flowers at left and a waterfall with bridge (resembles Multnomah Falls, Oregon) at right...

A nineteenth century painting in the style of Italian Old Master artist Francesco Guardi (1712-1793), measuring 29 1/2" by 23 1/2" (37" by 31" framed), the subject foreground gondolas in the lagoon opening out to the sea beyond, a classic bridge and architecture framing the gondoliers. The great Italian master Guardi was often copied over the centuries. His flickering brush and distinctive silvery light and subtle color have been long imitated but never equaled...

An interesting abstract painting dating to about 1960, created by a German artist, Max Hansen (1898-). The work, oil and perhaps another substance mixed in, applied on canvas laid on panel, measures 25" by 13 1/2" and 30 1/2" by 19 1/2" in the original gray framing. This was acquired from a local family of German heritage, who stated that it was brought to Southern California from Germany more than 50 years ago. Family stated that the artist was "Uncle Max"----Max Hansen, born in 1898...

An interesting Southwestern painting of a sunny courtyard in a Spanish-style building (church or mission) of the American Southwest---likely California, or Mexico---glimpsed through a grand old doorway, signed at lower right by artist Laurence McLaughlin. The 18" by 24" painting (26" by 31 1/2" framed) is not old (maybe 1970's or 1980's) but the traditional subject and technique could make it pass for an older work. Surprisingly I have not been able to locate a listed artist by this name...

This small work is a gem of the naive and primitive school of Central America. Measuring 12 3/4" by 11 1/2" as framed, the painting is signed at lower left by the artist, MARVIN KELLY (GARCIA) and is dated there 1991...

Circa 1880 American Victorian Eastlake style wood frame with gold fillet, the entire frame 15 3/4" by 17 3/4", the rabbet 10" by 12". The wood used is walnut, I believe. There are a few flaws, as shown, but the frame is sound overall and awaits your favorite 19th century print or drawing. Presently the frame houses a black and white photo of a popular gelateria of mid 20th century Rome, near the Piazza Navona. The previous owner was evidently so fond of the place that he or she included an ...

Often confused with artist Lawrence NELSON Wilbur (both auction records and biography almost hopelessly intermingled), this is an oil on canvas impressionist still life painting by the illustrator, Lawrence Wilbur (1897-1960). This listed artist was active in the New York City and Northern New Jersey area at mid century as an illustrator, landscapist, and portraitist. He signed typically with the oblique line below his name, as is seen here. This work seems to be outside his usual subject mat...

Print in grays, black and white with some subtle color, on silk, 10 3/4" by 13 1/4" inside the mat, 21 1/2" by 23" in silvery gray frame, pencil signed at lower right margin by the noted Austrian artist HANS FIGURA (1898-1978). Figura is known for his aquatints on paper and silk, featuring scenes of the Tyrolean Alps, Venice, other European locales, and even New York and elsewhere in the United States. He was prolific. The inscrutable signature has I believe hindered his receiving wider recog...

Nineteenth century lithograph print issued by Sarony Major & Knapp, lithographers, 449 Broadway, New York, after a painting by Stanley. The print measures 6" by 9" inside the mat and 10 3/4" by 14" in gold frame.

A watercolor of the year 2006, signed "Rogers", featuring a close-up architectural view of the upper part of a church or cathedral. The spires and domes kind of resemble a famous church in Venice, Italy, though the scene could be almost anywhere in southern Europe or Latin America. The unframed work measures 6 5/8" by 11 1/2" inside the dark blue over-mat. That mat has a little wear but could be retained if you just want to frame over it for a smaller opening.

From one collection, EIGHT framed watercolor drawings (****NOT PRINTS****) of flowering botanical specimens, with their respective Latin classification names written in brown ink, generally at lower left. The works are on an exceedingly delicate tissue-like paper, which is then affixed at edges to a card, causing a puckering effect of the paper. There is another original drawing on the reverse side of one of the works (not pictured). I have opened all eight in search of a signature of the art...

Lithograph print "The Tyresmith", 1890, featuring a Chelsea (London) wheelwright's shop, by JAMES ABBOTT McNEIL WHISTLER (1834-1903). Forges and smithies are said to have been a lifelong favorite subject of Whistler. My research online suggests that this example is one of the 500 to 1000 examples printed from a transfer stone, to be published in The Whirlwind 2, no. 20, issue of November 15, 1890. It is printed on wove paper and has been laid down to a board so it has not been possible to sea...