How We Grade Condition on Vintage & Used Collectibles

At Nearly Collectibles, we describe an item's age separately from its physical condition. A vintage item can be unused, and an antique can be gently used. This guide explains our condition labels, detailed grades, and age classifications. Read each listing and its photos for the specifics of that item.

Item Condition Labels

These labels describe prior use and, where applicable, original tags or packaging. Detailed condition notes explain any wear, defects, missing pieces, packaging issues, or testing information.

• New with tags (NWT): Unused or unworn, with original retail tags attached.
• New without tags (NWOT): Unused or unworn, without original retail tags.
• New in box (NIB): Unused, with its original box. This does not necessarily mean factory-sealed or that the box is pristine.
• New / Unused: Not used or worn. Any storage wear or age-related changes are described separately.
• Gently used: Previously used, with minimal signs of wear.
• Used: Previously used, with wear and condition explained in the listing.
• For parts / Not working: Offered for parts, repair, or non-working collectible or decorative use. Read the listing for the exact issues and what is included.

Our Four Core Grades

You may also see these grades in our detailed condition descriptions. They describe the item's physical condition; working status is addressed separately.

Very Good

The item is in excellent pre-owned shape. It may show minimal signs of prior ownership, such as a faint surface scuff or light shelf wear. This is as close to like-new as a pre-owned item gets.

Good

The item is complete, intact, and presentable. It shows evidence of prior use or age: light wear on surfaces, minor markings, or small cosmetic imperfections. Nothing is broken, missing, or significantly damaged.

Fair

The item has visible wear, fading, light staining, or minor structural issues. Expect noticeable imperfections. We describe the specifics in each listing.

Poor

The item is significantly worn, damaged, or incomplete. It may still have collectible, decorative, or parts value. Photos and notes describe the exact issues.

In-Between Grades

When an item falls between two grades, we may describe it as Poor to Fair, Fair to Good, or Good to Very Good. For example, Fair to Good means it is better than Fair but does not quite reach Good across the board.

Age / Era

For consistency within Nearly Collectibles, we use these age classifications. These are our store's catalog guidelines, not universal definitions of the terms.

• Current / Contemporary: Under 2 years old.
• Recent Past: 2–19 years old. These items may belong to earlier styles or model generations. Their age does not mean they are defective or unusable.
• Vintage: 20–99 years old.
• Antique: 100 years old or more.
• Unknown: The item's age cannot be established with sufficient confidence.

Age is separate from condition, working status, and whether a style or model is still current. Older items may show patina, yellowing, or other age-related changes, which we explain in the condition notes. Any uncertain age estimates are identified as estimates rather than presented as confirmed dates.

Decade

When known, the decade identifies when the actual item was manufactured or produced, such as the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s. It does not describe the period its design imitates. For example, a lamp made in the 2020s with a 1950s-inspired design belongs to the 2020s. Its retro styling can be described separately. If the production decade is unknown, we leave it unspecified; any estimated dates are explained in the product description.

Unused and Unopened Items

Some pre-owned items were purchased but never used or worn. Unused does not necessarily mean free of storage wear, and an original box does not necessarily mean unopened. When an item is known to be factory-sealed or unopened, we state that separately. Read the condition notes for both the item and its packaging.

Multi-Piece & Boxed Items

When a set, game, or boxed item has components in different condition, we grade each part separately. For example: Cards & Envelopes: Good / Box: Poor. The box and contents can age differently, so read the notes for both.

Functional Notes

If we know an item does not work, we say Does Not Work. If we cannot test it, we say Functionality Unknown. Untested does not automatically mean broken, but it is not a guarantee that the item works. We never imply something works if we have not confirmed it.

What About Irregulars?

Some items are factory irregulars, produced with a defect or variation from standard. We note these as Irregular. The imperfection was built in rather than caused by use.

Shipping & Returns

We pack carefully to protect every item, regardless of grade. If an item arrives in a condition meaningfully different from how we described it, please reach out — we want to make it right. Because condition is inherently subjective to some degree, we encourage you to read the full listing description and look closely at photos before purchasing. We're happy to answer questions before you buy.

Still Have Questions?

If you are looking at a specific listing and want more detail about its age or condition, please contact us before purchasing.