Accessory Grading
Grading accessories accurately and fairly is an art not a science. One person's Good is another persons' Very Good. This chart refers to plastic / vinyl Johnny West series accessories that are 30-40 years old. It is almost impossible to get mint, never played with pieces. So, with that in mind, here is how I grade accessory condition.
I use a pretty subjective scale from 'Excellent' (best) to 'Poor' (Worst). I used to try to grade via a 1-10 scale but that became too hard to distinguish between grades.
Since different aspects of an accessory affect it's condition, I'll try to give examples by accessory material. Accessories were usually produced where the clothes were molded in soft vinyl plastic and the 'gear' was produced in a hard poly plastic (not brittle, but hard).
Condition
Soft Accessory Example
Hard Accessory Example
Excellent:
Excellent means that the pieces are complete without tears or breaks. Some minor rubs may be present. Generally, these pieces are the best you can expect to get today for 30-40 year old toys.
old C9 Rating
Excellent means that the pieces are complete without tears or breaks. Some minor rubs may be present. Generally, these pieces are the best you can expect to get today for 30-40 year old toys.
old C9 Rating
Plastic is still supple and soft, should have most of its original luster, no broken features like buckles or straps - Played with but not damaged in any way.
Plastic has most of its original luster, no broken features like straps, no deep scratches or teeth marks - Played with but not damaged in any way.On Armor, an Excellent piece has all tabs and loops intact.
Very Good:
This condition is the most common that I sell. The pieces show play wear. No major defects but some damage is possible.
old C8 or C7 Rating
This condition is the most common that I sell. The pieces show play wear. No major defects but some damage is possible.
old C8 or C7 Rating
Plastic may be drying out a little (not shruken), may have some blemishes and rubs, no major defects like missing buckles or tears. An example would be a set of cowboy chaps with one or two of the tassels broken off, but the knot that actually holds the chap leg closed, still works. Also, this condition includes vinyl pieces that have hardened up a little over time. They still fit the figures but may not be as supple as Excellent pieces.
Plastic may be rubbed a little or some scratches . Piece is still whole, but may have a minor break in the plastic that does not affect the piece's function (such as a bearclaw necklace that is broken in the rear but still displays nicely). - Most common condition for used accessories. An example would be the cowboy strong box that is scratched on the bottom but still nice overall or an Indian shield may have on or two feathers missing.On Armor, a Very Good piece may have split loops but the loops and tabs are still present.
Good:
This condition of accessory shows a lot of play wear, may have tooth marks or other scratches. These pieces are generally used by customizers to repair and use on their figures. Or to modify, in some way.
old C6 Rating
This condition of accessory shows a lot of play wear, may have tooth marks or other scratches. These pieces are generally used by customizers to repair and use on their figures. Or to modify, in some way.
old C6 Rating
Damage is starting to be apparent. Plastic may be drying. Some shrinkage is allowed in this condition if it does not matter in the use of the piece. For example, a shrunken canteen is ok, but a shrunken hat is not. Splits and other damage / blemishes. Accessory is generally still usable but not fully functional. An example would be a set of cowboy chaps with tassels missing and the buckle torn.
Damage is starting to be apparent. Plastic may be scratched and / or very rubbed. Teeth marks may be present but not severly chewed. Another example would be an indian peace pipe with the hanging feather broken off and missing. On Armor, a Good piece may have missing loops or tabs.
Poor:
Poor pieces have a major defect. They may still be usable for a customizing or repair project.
old C5 Rating
Poor pieces have a major defect. They may still be usable for a customizing or repair project.
old C5 Rating
Pretty much the lowest collectible condition. Damage is apparent. Plastic may be drying and shrunken. Splits, tears and other damage / blemishes. Broken straps. Accessory may be usable but may need some 'hidden help' to stay on the figure. An example would be a set of dry cowboy chaps with tassels missing and the buckle torn off. Another example would be an indian mask without the straps. A collector may use the piece in a diorama but it be used as intended.
Pretty much the lowest collectible condition. Damage is apparent. Plastic is scratched and / or very rubbed. Piece may not be whole, and may have a major break in the plastic that affects the piece's function. Chewing may be evident, like the end of gun barrel that's been gnashed on. Another example would be a branding iron that has the brand end missing.
