Hello, this item is a 20th-century oil painting on canvas depicting a sailing ship at sea, signed “Stears Thomson” at the lower edge and presented in a gilded decorative frame. The composition follows a traditional maritime painting format, with a tall-masted vessel set against dark rolling waves and a cloudy sky, a subject that remained popular in British, American, and European decorative art throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. The handling of the waves, sails, and atmospheric sky suggests a competent decorative marine painter rather than a major listed artist, and the frame, stretcher, backing, and overall presentation are consistent with a mid to late 20th-century domestic display piece.

The painting appears to be in stable decorative condition, with visible age to the canvas reverse, frame, and backing, but no major tears or paint loss visible from the photographs. The gilded frame adds display value, though the secondary market value is mainly driven by subject, size, condition, and decorative appeal rather than by strong artist recognition. Marine paintings with sailing vessels remain saleable, especially when framed and visually attractive, but unsigned or obscurely signed examples generally remain in a modest price range. Based on the images, size, condition, subject matter, and current decorative art market, the fair market value is $150 to $350 USD.