The original appraisal request for this piece described a framed “painting” passed down from a grandmother and identified only by the name in the lower corner. That’s extremely common with vintage wall décor: many framed “artworks” are actually mass-produced lithographs or offset prints made for the decorative market.
The good news is that you can usually determine whether a print is decorative or collectible in minutes by checking three areas: (1) the signature, (2) the edition information, and (3) the paper/margins.
If your copy of Musical Interlude has a printed signature (not pencil) and no edition numbering, the market is typically modest. Condition and framing matter more than the artist name on the image.
Two-step intake
Share your “Musical Interlude” print details with an expert today
Upload closeups of the signature area, any numbers like “12/250,” and the back of the frame. We’ll confirm what kind of print it is and give a realistic value range.
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Quick value summary (typical range)
For most decorative lithographs like this—printed signature, no edition numbering, and common subject matter—a realistic resale range is often:
- $20–$60 for the print (unframed or in a basic frame).
- $50–$150 when framed nicely and ready to hang, depending on local demand and condition.
The range can increase if you find pencil signatures, edition numbering (e.g., “42/250”), an embossed publisher stamp, or evidence it was produced as a limited edition.
Who is “Jacob Richard” on the print?
A common pitfall with inherited prints is assuming the printed name in the corner automatically indicates a well-documented fine artist. Decorative publishers frequently reproduced works (or commissioned art) and printed a name that may be:
- a working illustrator with limited auction visibility,
- a studio name or licensing name, or
- easy to misread (Richard vs Robert/Roberts in low-resolution photos).
The best way to verify the creator is not the signature alone—it’s the combination of title, publisher, and edition markers. If the back of your frame has a label from an art distributor, or if the margin includes a copyright line, those are often the fastest clues.
Lithograph vs offset print vs “enhanced” print
The WordPress appraisal mentioned “enhanced” prints, which is a real category in the décor world: a standard print with a textured varnish or gel applied to mimic brush strokes. The important thing to know is that this kind of enhancement usually does not make the print rare.
- True lithograph: printed from a stone/plate process; can still be mass-produced.
- Offset print / photomechanical reproduction: extremely common; often what décor “lithographs” actually are.
- Enhanced/varnished surface: adds texture, not scarcity.
For pricing, the practical questions are: Is it limited edition? and Is it hand-signed? If the answer to both is “no,” value is usually driven by presentation and condition.
Printed signature vs hand-signed: the one check that changes value
On many collectible prints, the artist signs in pencil below the image, often paired with an edition fraction like 12/150. A printed signature integrated into the image area is typically a decorative indicator.
Before you assume “printed signature = worthless,” keep two nuances in mind:
- Some collectible artists did authorize posters with printed signatures—those can still sell, but typically at poster pricing.
- Some pencil marks are not signatures (they may be gallery notes or framing marks), so a close photo matters.
What to photograph for a confident appraisal (5 shots)
- Lower margin/signature area (straight-on, high resolution).
- Any edition numbers (look left/right below the image).
- Full front view (to show subject, colors, and frame style).
- Side profile of the frame (to show glazing type and depth).
- Back of the frame (labels, stamps, dust cover, framer marks).
Bonus: if you can safely open the back, photograph the paper margins and any embossed stamp. Many limited editions have an embossed blind stamp from the publisher.
Auction comps: what similar decorative lithographs actually bring
To ground the valuation in real sales, we pulled comparable auction results from the Appraisily auctions dataset for chromolithographs and lithographs. Note that these are often sold in lots (multiple prints together), which can push the per-print price lower.
- Copake Auction Inc. (Nov 25, 2023), Lot 192, “Victorian Chromolithographs” — hammer price $20.
- The Bidder (Jan 30, 2024), Lot 101, “18 Antique Different Chromolithographs and Lithographs…” — hammer price $35.
- Weschler’s (Mar 26, 2024), Lot 283, “Collection of Six Colored Engravings and Chromolithographs…” — hammer price $25.
These comps don’t prove your exact print is worth the same—they show the typical ceiling for common decorative prints when they lack collectible signals (hand signature, documented edition, proven artist market).
How to sell a decorative lithograph (without wasting time)
For most “ready to hang” decorative prints, online platforms tend to outperform local consignment because buyers search by subject and style. The fastest path is usually:
- Facebook Marketplace for local pickup (frames are expensive to ship).
- eBay if you can ship safely (double-box, corner protectors, insurance).
- Etsy if the framing and décor style is the main appeal (use lifestyle photos).
Listing tips that help prints move:
- Use the title + medium in the listing headline: “Musical Interlude lithograph print, framed”.
- Add exact measurements of the art window and the full frame.
- Disclose condition issues: foxing (brown specks), fading, rippling, or glass scratches.
- Photograph the signature area as its own image in the gallery.
When it’s worth a professional appraisal
If any of the following are true, it’s worth getting an expert review before setting a price:
- You see pencil signature(s) and/or an edition fraction (e.g., 42/250).
- There’s an embossed publisher stamp in the margin.
- The print has strong provenance (gallery receipt, exhibition label, artist correspondence).
- You suspect it’s older than it looks (19th-century paper, strong plate mark, laid paper texture).
Search variations people ask
These are common searches when people try to identify and price this kind of print:
- jacob richard musical interlude lithograph value
- is my jacob richard print an original or a reproduction
- how to tell if a lithograph is hand signed or printed
- what does 12/250 mean on a print
- does an “enhanced” print add value
- how to spot foxing and paper toning on lithographs
- best way to ship framed art sold on ebay
- should i remove a print from its frame to appraise it
Each question is addressed above (signatures, edition clues, condition, comps, and selling strategy).
References
- MoMA glossary: lithograph (overview)
- U.S. National Park Service Conserve O Gram (basic care guidance)
- Smithsonian: collections care and handling
Wrap-up
Most copies of Musical Interlude credited to “Jacob Richard” fall into the decorative print market—especially when the signature is printed and there’s no edition information. Use the signature and margin checks above, compare to recent auction comps, and price it like attractive wall décor unless you uncover limited-edition signals.
