Grading policy

We use a 7-point grading system to determine the condition of each piece. Each piece is given a grade between 1 and 10, in 0.5 increments, 1 being the lowest grade and 10 the highest. 

The grade that we mark each piece sits within a 'grade range' and this determines the condition of each piece. For example, the grade range for Very Fine is between 7.5 - 8.5. Therefore, a poster that obtains a grade of 8.0 would be classified as Very Fine Condition.

We work hard to stick as closely as possible to this system however, there are always exceptions to the rule. Grading is more of an art than a science and can be subjective. Please read the descriptions on each piece carefully and inspect images closely before purchasing.

Contact us if you have any questions.

7-POINT GRADING SYSTEM:

C7 - MINT CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 10 / 10

As new condition with no perceivable flaws.

Note: Although we have many posters that fit this criterion, the highest grade we give any poster is 9.5, therefore we will never sell a poster as 'Mint Condition'.

C6 - NEAR MINT CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 9.0 - 9.5 / 10

Is typically unused or in a very slightly used condition, with fresh saturated colour and very clean overall appearance. It may have a few minor imperfections due to handling or storage, such as light edge wear, soft creases, or unobtrusive smudges. It may also be a restored poster with little to no noticeable imperfections, post-restoration.

C5 - VERY FINE CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 7.5 - 8.5 / 10

Is in a used condition with bright colour and clean overall appearance. It may have minimal flaws such as slight compressions, edge wear, smudges, border chips, fold wear, fold separation, pin holes, tears, corner creases and unobtrusive text on the back side. It may also be a restored poster with a few noticeable minor imperfections, post-restoration.

C4 - FINE CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 6.0 - 7.0 / 10

Is in a used condition with good colour and overall appearance. It may have moderate flaws such as minor compressions, edge wear, smudges, border chips, fold wear, fold separation, pin holes, tears, corner creases and unobtrusive text on the back side. It may have minor paper loss, stains, unobtrusive text on the front side, minor tape on the back side, title or censor snipes. It may also be a restored poster with noticeable imperfections, post-restoration.

C3 - VERY GOOD CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 4.5 - 5.5 / 10

Is in a used condition with fair colour and more moderate flaws such as compressions, edge wear, smudges, border chips, fold wear, fold separation, pin holes, tears, corner creases and unobtrusive text on the back side. It may have paper loss, stains, unobtrusive text on the front side and title or censor snipes. It may be slightly brittle due to age. It may have minor clean trimming or minor tape on the front side.

C2 - GOOD CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 3.0 - 4.0 / 10

Is in a used condition and may have faded colour and significant flaws such as moderate compressions, edge wear, smudges, border chips, fold wear, fold separation, pin holes, tears, corner creases. It may have intrusive text on the back or front side. It may have paper loss, stains and title or censor snipes. It may be brittle due to age. It may have trimming. It may have tape.

C1 - POOR CONDITION | GRADE RANGE: 1.0 - 2.5 / 10

Is in a used condition and may have faded colour and more significant flaws such as severe compressions, edge wear, smudges, border chips, fold wear, fold separation, pin holes, tears, corner creases. It may have more intrusive text on the back or front side. It may have severe paper loss or staining. It may have title or censor snipes. It may be very brittle due to age. It may have uneven trimming. It may have tape.

LINEN BACKING & RESTORING ARTWORK:

Occasionally we have works linen backed and restored, or we purchase already restored works. The linen backing process corrects imperfections and helps preserve the artwork. The linen backing and restoration process may include:

 - Removal of tapes/ blu tack or other adhesive residues.

- Cleaning to remove dirt, stains, mould, etc.

- Flattening fold lines & compressions

- Linen backing - flexible acid free to support artwork & aid with framing

- Repairing holes, tears, and chips

- Replacing missing paper

- Retouching artwork

This process typically brings them back to display in a very fine – near mint condition. All linen backed works are sold based on their displayed condition at time of sale. We will generally note the pre-restoration condition in the description section associated with the piece, provided we have this information available to us.