The
condition/grade that is assigned to a particular military poster
is based on the existence or lack thereof of certain blemishes
that are commonly found on any type of paper art.
Since
military art was designed as dispensable promotionsl materials,
they were not handled like a "collectible." Many were
stapled, taped, written on, hung in windows, and generally,
just beaten around until they were discarded. It is amazing
that any survived to make it to the collector's market. Unfortunately,
many of the survivors bear the scars of their journey.
The
most common blemishes/defects are as follows:
Assessing
the condition of military art is subjective and so unfortunately
there are no "carved-in-stone" rules for grading the
condition of posters.
There
seems to be no standard system so we are submitting a commonly
used system for other paper collectibles to help establish a guide
for the future.
MINT
- A poster in MINT condition looks like it just came off of
the press. It will have no blemishes or defects of any kind.
It can be machine folded or rolled, depending on the manner
in which it was originally. A poster in MINT condition commands
top dollar in that title's normal price range.
NEAR
MINT - A poster in NEAR MINT condition may have minor blemishes
in the border only. The artwork is in excellent condition with
no blemishes whatsoever. A poster in NEAR MINT condition commands
slightly less than one in MINT condition.
EXCELLENT
- EXCELLENT condition is a broader term used in several ways
by different dealers. It is suppose to be slightly less condition
that near mint with slight blemishes in the art work and edges.
When someone is using the ‘excellent condition’ phrase, it may
be wise to question a little more as to what is meant.
VERY
FINE - VERY FINE condition may have blemishes in the border
and up to approximately one inch of the poster's artwork. This
is normally the condition for multiple pin holes.
FINE
- FINE condition is slightly less than Very Fine, with a little
more damage such as staple holes instead of pin holes, more
wrinkles etc..
VERY
GOOD - A poster in VERY GOOD condition may have blemishes in the
border and up to two inches in the poster's artwork. There may
be small tears in the artwork along the fold lines and edges.
It may also have minor
fading. A poster in VERY GOOD condition will command slightly
less than one in FINE condition.
GOOD
- A poster in GOOD condition may have tears
or small holes that measure no larger than a quarter on the
outer edges of the poster's artwork. Pieces of the border may
be torn or missing; there may be mild bleed-through in the outer
area of the artwork; there may be mild fading.
In general, a poster in GOOD condition will have minor blemishes
around the border and into the outer edges of the artwork. The
major area of the artwork must be clear of any blemishes. The
price of a poster in GOOD condition generally falls in the middle
to lower end of the price range for that title
FAIR
- A poster in FAIR condition may have major blemishes
which directly affect the artwork of the poster. The poster is
recognizable and the artwork is primarily intact. The value of
a poster in FAIR condition will weigh heavily on its title. If
it is a rare piece, it still may command the lower end of the
poster's normal price range. A poster in FAIR condition must be
professionally restored.
POOR
- Posters in POOR condition will have serious blemishes or in
general, in such poor shape that even the slightest handling
adds to the damage. The value of a poster in POOR condition
will weigh heavily on its title. If it is a rare piece, it still
may command the lower end of the poster's normal price range.
A poster in POOR condition must be professionally restored.
