How we grade
We grade vintage print on the scale collectors already use, from Mint to Poor. Every copy is checked by hand, and every mark we mention is in the photos.
Nearly flawless: flat, bright, with sharp, square corners.
Almost perfect, with only the tiniest flaws and no creases.
Above average. Minor wear, still clean and flat.
Visible wear, possibly light creases or a small tear. Still very desirable.
Well handled: creases, scuffs or a small tear, but complete and readable.
Rough: prominent tears, folds or rust marks, but still readable.
Badly damaged or incomplete. Mainly a reference copy.
Each listing also notes the cover and spine on their own, from Clean to Light wear to Moderate wear, so you know where the wear is. Want to see a mark up close? Ask before buying and we'll send more photos.
How the front and back covers have held up.
Bright and crisp, with barely any marks.
Small rubs, soft corners or faint handling marks you notice up close.
Wear you see from arm’s length: scuffs, creases or fading.
Obvious damage to the cover. We describe exactly what in the listing.
The fold or staples that hold the issue together.
Opens and closes cleanly, nothing loose.
Some rubbing or small chips along the spine edge.
A visible weakness along the spine. Handle it gently.
Whether every page is there.
We counted every page against the contents.
No missing pages found, but we couldn’t check against a full page count.
If a copy has any of these, the listing says so.
Price stickers or labels on the cover. They lower the price, so we always mention them.
Names, notes or shop stamps inside or out.
Folds across the cover or pages.
Any tear or rip, however small.
Water marks, spots or discoloring.
Staples that have rusted or let go of the pages.
A spine that has weakened or come apart.