AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a historical shipping and provenance label adhered to the verso (back) of a painting executed on a copper substrate. The label is an authentic paper document from the mid-20th century, specifically identifying 'The Scofield Corp.' based in Box 8, Marietta, Georgia, as the sender. It is addressed to a 'Max Segal' at '2026 Wharton Street, Philadelphia, Pa.' The paper possesses a cream-colored hue with red-orange printed borders and text headers typical of postal stationary from the mid-1900s. Physically, the label shows significant signs of age and handling; it is heavily wrinkled, showing 'bubbling' where the adhesive has likely reacted with moisture or the metal surface underneath. There is visible tearing on the left-hand side and scuffing throughout the center, which has obscured some of the typed recipient information. The number 'Case # 5485' is clearly visible at the bottom, suggesting a commercial inventory or catalog system. The presence of this label on a copper painting indicates a mid-century American distribution or framing history, often associated with decorative or fine arts imports/exports during that era. The backing material visible around the label appears to be a protective kraft paper or light cardboard backing typical of professional framing.

I have conducted a visual examination of the vintage shipping label from The Scofield Corp. adhered to the verso of a painting on copper. Authenticity appears consistent with mid-20th-century commercial ephemera, evidenced by the specific 'Marietta, Georgia' address, typography, and the chromatic profile of the red-orange ink on cream stock. The physical condition is fair to poor; the label exhibits significant delamination (bubbling), creasing, and mechanical loss on the left side, likely due to adhesive oxidation against the copper substrate or moisture ingress under the kraft paper backing. In the market for fine art ephemera, labels from commercial entities like The Scofield Corp. serve primarily as provenance documentation rather than standalone collectibles. While they add a layer of historical narrative—confirming the item's presence in Case #5485 and its transit to Max Segal in Philadelphia—they do not typically carry high individual value unless associated with a high-profile artist or gallery. Comparables for mid-century shipping labels generally realize low double-digit figures at auction. The primary value here is the 'value-added' component it provides to the painting itself by establishing a clear chain of custody. Limitations: This appraisal is based on photographic evidence only. A physical inspection is required to verify paper fibers, adhesive composition, and to ensure the label was not 'married' to the painting later to simulate age. Scientific testing such as ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence could confirm the absence of modern optical brighteners in the paper. Full authentication would require cross-referencing Scofield Corp. shipping manifests, if extant, to confirm the specific contents of Case #5485.