Item Condition Description Guide
Most nostalgic products available from Dignos Nostalgic Collectables are old and therefore the terms "new" and "used" have no real meaning. Instead, items are given a description as to their condition, together with images that you are able to view before making a purchase.
For items which can be similarly decribed (postcards, vintage photographs and diecast models for example), a condition "rating" is now given for newly listed items - this is detailed below. Sometimes a more extended description will also be given if it helps, and for uniquely individual items, a detailed description is always given.
We pride ourselves on accurate descriptions and often take a lot of time in doing so. We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase before you make your purchase, so our advice is simple - please read the description and review each picture carefully so you can judge condition for yourself before you buy.
POSTCARD / VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPH CONDITION RATINGS
Excellent: No creases or bends, must have sharp corners, no surface marking (the only exception is for mild age discolouration of the base material that may be present - e.g. the "sepia" type toning very common with aged paper-based items). These are the premium collector's examples in the best of condition.
V.Good: As above but may have minimal corner / edge wear and/or minor surface marking that does not affect the main subject of the image (e.g. a small stain on the back of a postcard). These cards are in very desireable condition.
Above Average: As above but may have more extended corner / edge wear or minor surface marking on the picture side, may have minor bends on the corners or a small area of creasing or even a small tear if it is limited to the extreme edge or surface damage to the picture side if it is very minimal (a small scratch in the corner for example). These are the postcards that have probably been treasured by someone, but may not have been protected or looked after in any special way other than perhaps being placed in an album, and may have general handling marks. They are not the most superb examples but still in perfectly good enough condition to be collected or displayed.
Fair: The majority of postcards of 50 years of age and older will fall into this category - they will have some some marking, may have a crease or two, may have a tear or surface blemish and more worn corners. The surface may have acquired a little more grime so some of these cards may look a little soiled in appearance but the main subject of the image must still be easily viewable to be categorised as fair.
Poor: These will have extended corner / edge wear / tearing / surface marking and may have multiple creases or folds.
Intermediate descriptions are sometimes used - for example if an item could not accurately be described as "V.Good", but "Above Average" would do it an injustice, then "Good" may be used.
Whether a postcard has been written on or not, is postally used or is unposted does not necessarily affect it's value - a postcard with an unusual postmark, rare stamp or interesting handwritten message may be even more valuable to a collector than a similar one in "mint" condition that was never "used". Written / Unwritten and Posted / Unposted are therefore given separately for postcards and are not taken into account in the condition rating.
DIECAST CONDITION RATINGS
These are rated 1-9 (with 1 being best) and are based on standardised descriptions familiar with model collectors:
1 Mint & Boxed (MB or MIB): The prime examples in their original box or packaging - must be "as new" with no faults from use or handling, factory blemishes or defects are sometimes present, especially for non-precision finished models such as Matchbox / Model of Yesteryear etc. These are understood and acceptable to most collectors, however if you need clarification before purchase please just ask us.
2 Very Near Mint & Boxed (VNMB / VNMIB): May have tiny chips to very limited areas or factory flaws / blemishes from rubbing on the box. Must still be in original box or packaging.
3 Mint Unboxed (M): AS MB without the original box or packaging.
4 Very Slightly Chipped & Boxed (VSCB / VSCIB): May have chipping to edges and raised areas. May have been "played with" but must still be very presetable with at least 80% of the paintwork intact and have original box or packaging.
5 Very Slightly Chipped (VSC): As above without the original box or packaging.
6 Slightly Chipped (Playworn Good / SC): May show more wear and paint chips - must have at least 50% of the paint remaining on the model.
7 Chipped (Playworn Reasonable / C): Heavily chipped or with significant areas of paint loss. Must still be presentable structurally - must be basically sound and intact with no structural damage. These models would restore well with repainting.
8 Poor (Playworn / P): May show significant paint loss or some damage to the model.
9 Spare / Repair: Needs complete restoration or used as a source of spares to restore another model.
Intermediate ratings may sometimes be given if a rating can not be clearly assigned e.g. Rating 5-6.
The above ratings apply only to the model. Any box or packaging will also have it's own wear condition so it is possible to have a 1 rating with a slightly damaged box for example. If the box / packaging exhibits anything other than the condition of the model that it contains, this will be described separately and will be easily seen in the accompanying picture(s).
Please note while we always do our best to describe items accurately and thoroughly, individual perception always varies, therefore these descriptions are provided as a guide only, and should be used as such. This is especially applicable to non-precision diecast toys such as Matchbox, Lledo and Model of Yesteryear where manufacturing flaws are often present, including paint chips. These can often be seen in sealed blister packs - the model is "mint" condition because it has never been opened, however flaws can still be seen, often very obvious ones!
We always provide at least one image and advise you to review these images carefully before purchase to be able to make your own judgement. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding item condition. | 
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