Condition matrix
What each grade means
Our scale is deliberately narrow. Nothing below 8.5 enters the archive, because we would rather pass on a piece than sell something we would not wear.
3. Condition grading
Every piece is graded between 8.5 and 9.9 on our ten-point matrix, and every deviation is photographed and written into the listing. Patina is not a flaw; damage is.
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| 9.9 — Deadstock | Unworn, often with original tags. No storage marks, no odour, no fade. |
| 9.7 — Pristine | Worn a handful of times. Indistinguishable from new at arm's length. |
| 9.5 — Excellent | Light, even wear. No repairs, no thinning, no stains. Hardware fully functional. |
| 9.2 — Character | Honest patina, fade or honeycomb. Structurally perfect, visually lived in. |
| 9.0 — Sound vintage | Visible age and documented repairs. Priced accordingly and disclosed in full. |
| 8.8 — Collector | Real age, real wear, real rarity. Bought for the history as much as the wear. |