MAKING THE GRADE : The Hummel Figurine Grading Guide : Grades and Grade Descriptions

Jon R Warren

I believe someday all collectibles will be graded using a 10-point scale, and that this universality will be a factor in making collectibles a recognized investment like stocks and bonds. Grading services will exist for every collectible hobby, and these grading services will enable a liquid marketplace for massive trading in collectibles of all kinds. Collectors will view their collection “portfolio” as a source of retirement income in the same way that stock investors do today. EBay and similar sites will be the "NASDAQ" for the liquidation of these collectible investments. This isn't a great insight on my part, it is already happening in a small way, and I believe it is just beginning.

Until the introduction of our 10-point system, the Hummel marketplace suffered from a lack of a standardized system for ranking of condition. Each merchant more or less "invented" their own system, with one seller's "Fine" equal to another seller's "Condition B" and yet another's "Excellent." In our opinion, lack of grading consistency among merchants is a major obstacle to growth in any hobby. Why? Because buyers feel more secure with "sight unseen" internet buying when they are familiar with a consistent grading system. New collectors in any hobby become advanced collectors through knowledge, including knowledge of terminology. Without such a set of grading terms and definitions, buyers may feel confused and uncertain about the quality of items they are buying over the internet or through the mail. Confusion and uncertainty are not good for the growth of any hobby.

Our 10-point scale for grading is similar to systems already adopted in other markets. By using a set of standardized grading terms, we can ensure the growth of the hobby now and in the future.

I welcome your feedback. Please e-mail me with comments and suggestions. My e-mail address is jon@2ndmarkets.com.

I have outlined the various grades, and described the specifications for each. These grading definitions are intended to help you rate the condition of your paperback. As in any collectible, the better the condition of an item, the more valuable it is.

C10 : Mint or Mint In Box
Perfect, i.e. - brilliant, unusually bright, as new. Example is in brand new condition, includes the original box and all original paperwork (if applicable) that was included in the box at the time of original purchase. The box itself is in near-perfect condition and contains little, if any flaws. The item inside the box is in brand new condition and has no flaws.
Seldom used by professionals since it represents perfection...and perfection is extremely rare.

C9 : Near Mint or Near Mint In Box
Virtually flawless. Superb.  Example is in like new condition, includes the original box (if applicable) and may or may not include original paperwork (if applicable) that was included in the box at the time of original purchase. The box itself is in excellent condition but may posses a few minor flaws such as light corner dings, small creases in the box or even small scratches on the box. The item inside the box is in brand new condition and has no flaws.  Generally, the highest grade found in the marketplace since C10 is an extremely rare grade.

C8 : Excellent to Near Mint 
An exceptional example. Acceptable to all but the most finicky collector. This is a sharp, almost Near Mint example. It has no major defects but may not quite as bright as Near Mint. May or May Not have original box.

C7 : Excellent
Slightly worn. Although this example includes the original box (if apllicable, many early Hummels never came in a box), it may or may not include original paperwork (if applicable) that was included in the box at the time of original purchase. If the box itself is present, it may not be in ideal condition The box most likely has several creases, tears, scratches, etc. However, the item inside the box is in almost new condition and has no flaws.

C6 : Very Good to Excellent 
Almost Excellent.

C5 : Very Good 
This example may have minor crazing but has no major flaws. However, the original box and any accompanying paperwork is missing.

C4 : GVG (Good to Very Good)
Worn, almost Very Good.

C3 : G (Good)
A worn, crazed, flaked example. This example is in visibly worn condition, and could have one or two minor flaws which may include small scratches or light paint wear. However, this does not includes cracks, chips or any missing pieces. The original box and any accompanying paperwork may or may not be present. Typically a filler-copy only.

C2 : FR (Fair)
The lower grades are separated by degrees of damage. The accumulation of many defects lowers the item from the C3 grade down to the C2.  This example is in used, displayed or handled condition. It most likely has been handled and may contain scratches, paint wear, minor chips, dings or even small cracks. The original box and any accompanying paperwork may or may not be present.
C1 : P (Poor)
Extremely worn, possibly damaged or incomplete, although such should be noted. This example is in used, displayed or handled condition. It was most likely dropped one or more times and shows significant wear. It may contain scratches, paint wear, chips, dings, cracks and/or missing pieces. The original box and any accompanying paperwork may or may not be present.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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