Description

Grade

Absolutely crisp: no soiling, signs of wear, or creases. A Station rubber stamp mark is acceptable, as are small wrinkles introduced in printing. Age toning (a slight tanning of the paper) is acceptable only if the color change is even.

MINT

As above, but minor edge wear seen. Light pencil markings are acceptable. Age toning may be uneven.

NEAR MINT

As above. Professional routing marks or a minor annotation okay. Creases show usage, but map has not been misfolded.

EXCELLENT

As above, but wear is evident. Corners of inner creases may be beginning to separate, but less than 1 cm. May be rippled from water damage/high humidity but the paper does not show signs of foxing. Any dogear creases are not torn. There may be single tack holes. Map may have been misfolded.

VERY GOOD

As above, but separations extend less than half a panel span. If tears are not on a crease, each is less than 1 cm. Writing may be significant but does not damage front cover design. Map may be brittle but can still be opened flat without damage. Soil or scuffs can be present, but food or oil stains are absent. Fading is extensive. Minor foxing can be present, or minor insect damage i.e. "silverfish skinning" not affecting information.

GOOD

As above, but problems are cumulative. Insect damage affects either the map or cover graphics. Extensive calculations, separations short of panel loss, or extensive foxing present. Map is still usable for navigation.

FAIR

As above, but extensive damage. Insect damage affects either the map information or cover graphics. Panels may be completely separate. Map may require isolation to prevent spread of oil stains or mold. Map may not be usable for navigation, but may still be valid for study.

POOR