Featured THRIFT STORE FIND - RALPH AVERY PAINTING w/ONLY 1 QUESTION!

I found this at a local thrift store today - they must have known it was by someone known because it was $75 & they wouldn't discounting it at all!
My only question - why is there a date stamped on the back of it? His way of remembering when he painted it?
Thanks for the help!

 

According to wikipedia:

Ralph Avery
Born 1907
Savannah, Georgia
Died 1976
Rochester, New York
Nationality American
Known for Painter
Ralph Avery (1907–1976)

It would be quite something if he painted it in 1986. Could be when it was sold, or when it was put in the current frame.

 

I've never seen it before either
PS - Thanks for the bio dates!

 

He was an instructor at RIT.

http://library.rit.edu/findingaids/html/RITArt.0014.html

 

Framing date. Have seen this before.

 

Something about it reminds me of the Chicago River, downtown near Union Station.

Love the colors and has a nice look.

One issue-- looks like it might be buckling or sort of wavy in the frame or is that just the photo?

 

I love it. Nice style, beautiful blue, and I have a thing for bridges.

 

No it's fine; must be my photo taking!

 

So what is it really worth?

 

I would love to know! There is a group of 3 for sale on Etsy for $3,400; but I think they'll be there for a while!
I looked mine over closely & it is really clean; no foxing or any issues with painting, matting or frame. I put it up for auction on eBay last night with a starting bid of $49.95 - it has 1 bid already and 5 people following it - I guess we'll now Sunday evening (fingers crossed)!