Condition Guide
Vintage Condition: What Wear Can Tell You
Condition is not a single score. For vintage and pre-owned goods, useful condition reporting separates normal age-related wear from damage, repairs, missing pieces and functional problems.
Describe what is visible
Use specific language such as surface scratches, finish loss, edge chips, staining, oxidation, fading, dents, loose joints or repaired cracks instead of vague labels like “good for its age.”
Distinguish patina from damage
Patina can be desirable on some materials, but that does not make every form of corrosion, staining or finish loss desirable. Describe the physical condition first and let the buyer decide what character they value.
Show flaws in photographs
Important wear should be shown at useful scale and from more than one angle when needed. A condition note is strongest when the buyer can see the same issue being described.
State what was not tested
For electronics, lamps, tools and mechanical objects, say whether the item was tested and what was actually tested. Never turn “powers on” into a broader performance guarantee.
Full Poppies and Patina Condition Guide · Item Disclosure Policy