I purchased this bag at a flea market in Wiesbaden Germany in 1989. It is very old looking and in working condition. I have had it in a trunk since I purchased it. Any value you can tell me would be very helpful. Thanks so much. If you have any questions, please let me know. I was recently advised by two appraisers that this is definitely a one of a kind item.
The Painting is framed and has a paper backing that I have not removed. There is a sticker attached to the paper that reads
Autorretrato Rembrandt
(1606-1669)
Museo del Prado (Madrid)
D.L.SS.703-69
Procedimientro Oleografico Patentado
R.A.D.E.F. Elfe, 80-Madrid-17(Espana)
The frame is gold colored with 2 1/2" raised pieces in each corner, it is very ornate. There is a Black Velvet border around the inside of the frame that is 2 3/8" wide and then the viewable portion of the painting is 18 3/4 X 22 3/4". The visible portion of the painting is covered with glass. You can see obvious brush strokes in the painting.
Like I said, I have not taken the paper backing off the frame to examine the painting further as I assume that could ruin value, authenticity, etc...
This mantle piece is in an estate home which is being sold in SC. It is listed as one of the selling points of the home, and I'd like to have some idea of it's value. Does the fact that it is a PT Barnum piece add value? Is the value monetary or simply interest?
