Metal fish sculpture signed 'Claudine Buell' (not authenticated)

This decorative tabletop sculpture is constructed from cut and painted sheet metal, depicting an angelfish in a vibrant cobalt blue color palette. The sculpture is mounted on a thin vertical metal post that is secured into a heavy, rectangular black base made of wood or painted metal. The fish features elongated, flowing fins with curled, scroll-like tips, and is adorned with textured surface patterns including striped bands and zig-zag line motifs across its body. The eye is rendered as a simple concentric spiral. Regarding condition, a minor surface scratch is visible near the tail area as noted in the user-supplied details. The owner attributes the piece to artist Claudine Buell, citing a signature visible on the top surface of the black base reading 'Claudine Buell' in cursive script. This user-supplied attribution remains unverified, as hallmarks, signatures, and markings can be replicated or applied independently. The overall construction displays handcrafted folk art qualities, consistent with contemporary decorative metalwork crafts, though the exact age, studio origin, and authenticity of the signature cannot be confirmed from photographic evidence alone.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this decorative tabletop sculpture is constructed from cut and painted sheet metal, depicting an angelfish in a vibrant cobalt blue color palette with stylized surface patterns. Per user submission: attributed to and signed 'Claudine Buell' in cursive script on the top surface of the black base. I cannot verify from a photo whether the signature is contemporary to the piece, applied by the artist's hand, or added subsequently. The owner notes a tiny surface scratch near the tail area, which represents minor wear consistent with display. Based on the assumption that the attribution is correct, similar contemporary handcrafted folk art metal sculptures generally trade in the $150 to $300 range, depending on current decorative arts market demand for studio craft pieces. If physical inspection reveals the piece to be an unsigned reproduction, a replica, or created simply 'in the style of' the artist rather than an autograph work, the estimated market value would decrease significantly, typically dropping to the $40 to $80 range as a generic decorative item. To move beyond a working hypothesis, I would need physical inspection to confirm materials and construction quality, hallmark or signature verification by a qualified specialist, and provenance documentation.