Some words about condition
and grading
The condition of paper items significantly
affects their appearance and value. Various grading schemes have been advanced
by collectors and dealers of the variety of paper items that are collected, so
that others may rely on a description of items as being truly informative.
Following is the grading scheme that we use at Milliway's to describe what we sell. Each type of item is graded according to generally published standards for that type of piece. We like to use plus (+) or minus (-) ratings with the grade to let buyers know when an item might have enough flaws to slip toward a lower grade, or may be in better shape than the basic grade alone might lead you to believe.
Hardbound Books/Dustjackets
Our notation on books
descibes the
Book first / then the Dustjacket, with these terms:
Fine: Perfect condition with no sign that the book has
ever been read. Tight as new. Sharp corners and headband. No ownership marks of
any kind.
Near Fine: A small step down from Fine. Book shows
signs of having been read, but was handled carefully. Flaws are only faint, not
obvious. Dust jacket should have no tears or chips, but may have lost some
sheen.
Very Good: Flaws are evident, showing what might be
termed "average" use for a book that has not been abused. There may
be an owner's mark, bumped corner, rubbing, or slight set to the spine. Dust
jacket may be rubbed, small tears, clipped corner, or sun fading. Any condition
flaws are noted.
Good: Not a collectible state for the majority of books.
Hinges may be loose or beginning to tear. Binding may be rolled, loose, or
shaken. Best use is as a reading copy. Dust jacket with significant tearing or
chipping.
Poor: Virtually worthless to a collector except for
content. May have water stains, torn pages, highlighting.
Paperback Books, after Hancer
Mint: As issued, brand new and perfect in every way.
Near Mint: Almost perfect, may show signs of page
darkening from age.
Very Fine: Minor defects. May be light fading of cover
or spine. Minor wear to edges may be seen.
Fine: Some evidence of slight wear. May show light cover
crease near spine. Minor stress lines on the spine. Binding is tight,
lamination may be peeling at corners.
Very Good: An obviously read, but fairly tight copy.
Plastic lamination (if any) may show some peeling. Slight bends or creases in
cover. Spine may be bent, but is not broken or torn.
Good: The average used copy. The cover is intact but may
have bends, creases, or fades. Spine is loose, possibly split at either end, but is still intact. Spine
could be rolled.
Fair: Heavily read, may be soiled, but is still
complete. Torn covers or pages likely.
Send mail to: tom@oogruuk.com
Last update : Feb 22, 2007