Artwork Leon Schlesinger looney Tunes

Thanks for sharing the images and detailed info, George! Based on the handwriting and style, the signature does resemble other known signatures of Leon Schlesinger, who was indeed the founder of the original Warner Bros. animation studio responsible for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. However, it's important to note that Leon Schlesinger was not an animator himself but a producer, and original animation cels or lithographs from this era that bear his signature are rare and often added as commemorative or reproduction notes.

As for the character: this looks like the chef from the 1940s Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies cartoons, often appearing as a background or gag character, possibly from shorts featuring Porky Pig or Daffy Duck. He may not have a formal name—many secondary characters from that era were unnamed or only appeared once or twice.

Appraisal Estimate:

If this is a studio-authorized lithograph reproduction or cel with an authentic or printed signature from Schlesinger’s studio, its value could range between $150 to $450, depending on provenance, condition, and collector interest. If it's a true original production cel or hand-painted cel (not a lithograph), the value could be significantly higher—$800+ if authenticated.

Recommendation:

To verify the authenticity of the signature and determine the character's name and production details, I recommend contacting a certified animation art appraiser or a reputable gallery such as:

• Van Eaton Galleries (animation specialists)
• Heritage Auctions (offers free evaluations)
• Profiles in History (Hollywood memorabilia experts)