AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a framed lithographic print titled 'Saturday Night' by the renowned Arizona artist Lon Megargee (1883-1960). The artwork depicts a humorous, iconic scene of a cowboy bathing in a clawfoot tub while still wearing his Stetson hat, being observed through a window by his horse. The color palette consists of muted earth tones, dusty teals, and sepia shades, characteristic of mid-20th-century printing processes. The scene includes various Western motifs such as a pair of spurs on the floor, a bandolier draped over a chair, and a high-back wooden chair. The signature 'LON MEGARGEE' is visible in the lower right corner, though several versions of this print were produced for the A-1 Brewing Company of Phoenix in the 1940s and 1950s. The print is housed behind glass in a wooden frame with a carved bamboo-style aesthetic. Condition-wise, the piece shows significant signs of age-related wear; there is visible foxing, water staining along the upper edge, and minor surface abrasions (scuffing) on the right side of the image. The paper appears to have yellowed, indicating exposure to light or non-archival mounting materials. This piece is a notable example of 'Cowboy Humour' art and represents a popularized version of Megargee's work used extensively in regional Southwestern advertising.

I have conducted a visual examination of the framed lithograph 'Saturday Night' by Lon Megargee. This particular image is one of the most celebrated examples of Southwestern 'cowboy humor' and was widely circulated as a promotional piece for the A-1 Brewing Company in the mid-20th century. While the piece bears the signature of the artist, it is essential to distinguish between a rare early artist-signed lithograph and the more common commercial advertising prints produced for regional distribution. Based on the paper quality and visible age, this appears to be a mid-century commercial edition. The condition of this specimen is a significant factor in its valuation. My examination reveals notable foxing and water staining concentrated along the upper margin, accompanied by general paper yellowing and surface scuffing. These defects suggest prolonged exposure to high humidity or non-archival acidic matting, which may require professional conservation to prevent further deterioration. The rustic bamboo-style frame is consistent with the period and adds to the decorative appeal, though its archival integrity is questionable. Market demand for Megargee's work remains strong among Western art collectors, particularly for this iconic subject matter. However, the abundance of these commercial prints compared to his more limited works keeps the price point accessible. Recent auction results for this print in excellent condition vary between $800 and $1,200; the current valuation is adjusted downward to reflect the necessary restoration costs. Final authenticity cannot be definitively confirmed without an in-person inspection. A physical examination is required to verify the printing method (looking for a dot matrix vs. stone lithography), check the paper's watermark, and inspect the reverse for A-1 Brewing Company branding or provenance documentation. Scientific testing of the ink and paper fibers would be required to verify an exact production date.