A NOTE ABOUT GRADING
GRADING IS A SUBJECTIVE MATTER. In order to
minimize the risk of receiving a train or toy that is less than expected, I make every
attempt to grade reasonably, offer an accurate description and include high resolution
photographs that honestly reflects the true personality and ambiance of the toy. I do not
try to hide, minimize or otherwise disguise flaws or wear an item has.
Please feel free to ask additional questions
or request additional photographs of any item where the description or grading does not
fully satisfy your curiosity about the item.
Remember, these were toys originally
designed to be played with by children. With that in mind, a toy graded C-7, for
example, may have similar imperfections as a toy graded C-2, but to a much lesser
extent. The grading applies to external finish. Operation is not guaranteed,
however I will inform you of an items mechanical condition. Virtually all items I
offer for sale are in operating condition, however minor items such as motor brushes,
rollers, sliding shoes etc. are normal wear items and may need replacement
occasionally. Most old motors and mechanisms can be made to operate as they did when
new with just basic oiling and maintenance. Hidden defects that can't be seen without
disassembly or minor trim items that are being expertly reproduced today and which are
virtually impossible to identify are excluded. However, I do make every attempt to
note such items if I know of or if I suspect them.
Exceptions, notes or explanations
in an items description will always supercede
or be considered in addition to the C grading system below.
GRADING FOR TRAINS AND TOYS
C-1
Sold for parts value. No expressed or implied
suitability of parts or pieces for any purpose.
C-2
Restoration required. Possibly incomplete. An item
possibly complete enough to be considered a base for a restoration project.
C-3
Poor. Requires moderate to major repairs,
heavily scratched, major rust, missing parts, possible candidate for restoration.
C-4
Fair. Scratched, paint loss, dents, missing
parts, rust, evidence of heavy use.
C-5
Good. Generally original. I will note any
touchups or replaced parts etc. If I am aware of them. Signs of play wear with scratches,
paint loss, small dents, minor surface rust, quite evident it has been used / played with.
C-6
Very Good. Generally original. Some
paint scratches and nicks and / or very minor dings or nicks to the surface. Item has been
used but generally clean and attractive.
C-7
Excellent. All original. No rust, no missing
parts unless noted. Minor scratches and / or paint nicks. Signs of use but a well cared
for item.
C-8
Like New. All original. No rust, no missing
parts, may show effects of being handled or of being on display such as dust, may have
been run or played with but with care.
C-9
Near Mint, Factory New. All
original. May show evidence of factory or box rubs from years of storage.
Evidence of careful handling or signs of being lightly run. Finish may have other
minor marks and "flea bites" but having an extremely fresh ambiance.
C-10
Mint. Brand New. All original, unused or
unassembled if appropriate on accessories
GRADING FOR BOXES
C-3 or less
Box parts and pieces, possibly just a sleeve
with no ends, dirty, not suitable for storage of it's original contents. Possibly suitable
for donor parts and pieces to restore another box but no real value for it's intended use.
C-4
Missing one or more end or tuck flaps. Weak,
used dirty or stained. Will not safely store its original contents well anymore.
C-5
Original contents may or may not be present.
Shows signs of heavy usage. Liners or inserts may or may not be present. Edges, creases
and folds may exhibit damage, weakness or partial tears. End flaps and tuck flaps
may be separated or have been mended, reinforced or reattached but with care and caution
the box will still house it's original contents
C-6
Original contents may or may not be
present. May have handwritten or affixed price or other markings or notations
from the original retailer or owner. Any liners or inserts may or may not be present. Box
shows signs of use but is still intact. There may be edge wear and / or wear on creases,
folds or seams. All printing or labeling is legible. May be dirty or stained.
C-7
Original contents may or may not be
present. May have handwritten or affixed price or other markings or
notations from the original retailer or owner. The box has been opened, may or may
not have interior liners or inserts but has all it's end flaps and tuck flaps. Boxes show
moderate signs of being used, opened and closed. May be slightly soiled or stained, but
still a very presentable box.
C-8
Original contents may or may not be
present. Clean, crisp and bright. May have handwritten or affixed price or
other markings or notations from the original retailer or owner. The box has been opened
but has interior liners or inserts and all it's end flaps and tuck flaps.
C-9
Original contents inside. All Sealing tape,
plastic wrap, staples, glue etc. present but box has been opened. Clean, crisp and
bright. May have handwritten or affixed price or other markings or notations from the
original retailer or owner.
C-10
Original contents inside and if applicable
sealed. All Sealing tape, plastic wrap, staples, glue etc. present and undisturbed. Clean,
crisp and bright.
GRADING FOR PAPER
P-4
Paper is heavily damaged.
P-5
Same as P-6 with the following exceptions and
/ or additions. Items show high signs of usage. Edges may be damaged. Original folds are
heavily damaged. All existing printing material is legible, however, the item is heavily
worn with severe wear marks extending well onto the original printed material and may have
excessive color fading. No water damage or signs of deterioration.
P-6
Pages may show additional (unoriginal) folds
or "dog eared" pages. Pages may have tears.
P-7
There may be some evidence of bending and
folding or unfolding if factory folded. All pages are present.
P-8
Notations from an auction,dealer or club
member on the cover or interior pages may be present.
P-9
Item has been touched by human hands since
leaving the factory. Individual pages have been opened. Original paper folds are crisp
with no signs of damage if folded by the factory.
P-10
Item may have been touched by human hands
after leaving the factory, pristine.
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