Aside from the grade of condition, each lunch box also has a rarity value. This value is based on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being most rare. Rarity, along with condition, theme, and demand, will determine the value of a lunch box. The phase of the moon, I here, also has a role in value;)
Note: A plus (+) or a minus (-) beside a grade means that it is slightly better or worse than that grade, but not enough to change the grade, example C8+. Some grading will also include a decimal number to try and further describe the box, example C9.5 or C9.5+. Grading can be very subjective, and it's not uncommon to have two items very similar, but graded totally different from one another. By following the guidelines listed here and making your own intelligent judgment, the grading process should work great just the way it is.
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| Condition |
Grade |
Explanation Of Grade For Metal Lunch Boxes |
| Pristine |
-- |
From a factory case, never in a store. A box of this type has no flaws or shelf wear-- absolutely pristine. Very few boxes exhibit this condition, even from a factory box. |
| Mint |
10 |
Store stock new with or without original price tags/papers. |
| Near Mint |
9 |
The box shows very little wear. The surface of the box has a "wet" look and feels slick to the touch. |
| Excellent |
8 |
The box has minor high edge wear, spot wear, light scratches, and rust stains. |
| Fine |
7 |
The box has normal rim and spot wear, small dents, light rust, and may have a "dry," aged feel. |
| Very Good |
6 |
The box shows more than normal spot and rim wear, large dents, and the metal next to the latch may be broken. |
| Good |
5 |
The box has heavy wear on both sides, dents, and light rusting inside. |
| Fair |
4 |
Only one side of the box is suitable for display. |
| Poor |
3 |
Neither side of the box is suitable for display. |
| Bad |
2 |
The box shows heavy rust, fading, dents, no handle, and bad rusting inside. |
| Terrible |
1 |
The box is rusted or painted beyond recognition. |
| Condition |
Grade |
Explanation Of Grade For Vinyl Lunch Boxes |
| Pristine |
-- |
From a factory case, never in a store. A box of this type has no flaws or shelf wear-- absolutely pristine. Very few boxes exhibit this condition, even from a factory box. |
| Mint |
10 |
Store stock new with or without original price tags/papers. |
| Near Mint |
9 |
The box looks new, but shows signs of very little use. Light tarnish on brass closure and rivets. |
| Excellent |
8 |
The box shows normal wear on the bottom and back. The box is holding its shape with no bulging. Brass has tarnish and the vinyl may be starting to split at the hinge. |
| Fine |
7 |
The box has begun to lose its shape. Splits up to one inch long at the hinge, seem, and around the lid/front may be present. |
| Good |
6 |
The box has lost shape due to water or other damage. The box may exhibit the following: serious seam splitting, broken hinges, broken handle, broken latch, expansion of vinyl around rivets, color fading. |
| Poor |
5 |
The box is missing the handle or latch and will not hold its shape, with very bad splitting all around the edges. The box may exhibit the following: broken hinge, felt marker marks, holes or tears in the vinyl. |
| Condition |
Grade |
Explanation Of Grade For Plastic Lunch Boxes |
| Pristine |
-- |
From a factory case, never in a store. A box of this type has no flaws or shelf wear-- absolutely pristine. Very few boxes exhibit this condition, even from a factory box. |
| Mint |
10 |
Store stock new with or without original price tags/papers. |
| Near Mint |
9 |
The box looks new, but shows signs of very little use, with very small hair-line scratches on the back. |
| Excellent |
8 |
The box shows scratches and wear on the back and sides, but the decal graphics are not damaged. |
| Fine |
7 |
The box has bad scratches and wear on the back and front. The decal has peeling around the edges and may be starting to wrinkle or bubble. |
| Good |
6 |
The box has small breaks or cracks in the plastic. Small amounts of the decal may be missing in conjunction with wrinkling or bubbling of the decal. |
| Poor |
5 |
The box is missing the handle or latch, with very bad breaks in the plastic. The box may exhibit the following: most of the decal is missing, extra artwork added by a child. |
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Friday . December 05 . 2008
