Firearms & product condition rating used by our sales department

These condition ratings are used by us in our product descriptions and are a reflection of our experience, personal view and visual findings, we do our best to describe the condition of the items for your convenience, and in no means this could or should be seen as a 100% scientific definition. There are too many different facts and factors. We do not take these items apart for inside examination, to many handling of the items could also have a negative effect on the finish or screw heads and grips, and which in their turn could detract value. Again we wish to point out and make very clear that we sell items for collection purposes and that the preservation of condition and the condition overall is crucial for your investment.

NIB “New in Box”:

This condition is the “holy grail” in the collectors world, it describes the item in the condition in which it left the factory or production line, in original box and with all documents and accessories, the item is generally in unused condition (could have been fired in the factory and or for official Firearms Proof-house test as described by the local firearms legislation) 

This condition brings premium value.

Excellent:

This condition reflects an item in nearly new condition, for modern items, all original parts and configuration, very slight use and signs of wear, sharp markings and very fine grips and a fine bore, in antique items this condition is the best you can find, as antique new in box guns are generally not found. Original finish percentages would be in the 90 to 98 % range depending of production era.

Fine:

All original parts & configuration with slight wear or possibly minor alterations in grips, still sharp marking and sharp edges and good bore.

Original factory refinish could be in the fine category if documented and in high condition after refinish.

Original finish percentages would be in the 85 to 90 % range depending of production era. For antique guns this would be in the 30 to 70 % range.

Very Good:

The item should have all original parts and in perfect working order and good clean bore, no pitting or corrosion and very minor handling marks, item used with respect and good storage. Original finish percentages would be in the 60 to 85 % range depending of production era. For antique guns this would be in the 10 to 40 % range. Modern professional restorations in very high condition could fit in the Very Good range, also antique items with alterations and refinish are possible in this category, if original and in correlation with the time of manufacturing.

Good:

Items that are in good used working order, all markings original and legible, eventual small professional repairs and used and worn grips, the bore must be suitable for shooting in the modern items categories, in antique items the condition of the bore is not important as would be the finish, could lack all original finish or be heavily cleaned. Modern items should be at least between 60 to 85 %.

Fair:

Modern items should be in a safe working order, well-worn visibly repaired and replacement parts are possible as is corrosion to the extent of safe working order, antique items could have major parts replaced or minor parts missing, cracked gips, pitting, rust marks and illegible markings could also be possible if they can be easily repaired.

Poor:

This condition is the least attractive to the collector, we could say that during the last decades these items have become almost unsellable.

It describes items in broken, poorly refinished and heavily corroded state, highly undesirable state, maybe good for projects or to display as relics or found items.

Terminology with regard to firearms in the condition rating:

Modern items - post 1895

Antique items - pre 1895