Your original framed oil on canvas painting was sold through the department store of Carson, Pirie, Scott Co which was in Chicago and in business from 1898 - 1904. The painting itself dates to the very beginning of the 20th century as opposed to the very end of the 19th century and was likely acquired in the US moreso than Germany during WWII, however commerce flows back and forth, so there is a possibility it came from America to Europe and back in its lifetime. The work depicts a harbour scene with fishing commerce and is reminiscent of Dutch and Flemish coastline views. The painting is illegibly signed and several permutations of the possible signature have been entered, alas without a match. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables.