ZAKs Grading Rubric- from the retired teacher

 FORK

Plate - Forks 

Surface Detail 

Form / shape 

Best

The plate exhibits NO wear or loss.

Surface pattern is clear and well defined 

Original shape and form are present - fork tines are pointed and straight across the top of the tines properly aligned.

Excellent

There is no loss or the table rest spot is less than 1/8” in dimension.

Surface detail is well defined re-plating of the surface may reduce contrast 

Original shape is primarily intact, may be some evidence of wear on outer tines.  

Great for over 100

Desirable

 Forks may have a wear spot where the pieces rest on the table. The wear is less that 1/8 - 1/4 inch  across on a fork.

Minor definition of loss of definition on the upper surface grapes.

There may be some minor shape wear on the outer fork tines.

Functional

Presentable 

Performer

The item may exhibit plate wear on the area where it rests on the table by more than 1/4 inch.

May exhibit some minor loss of pattern definition

Fork may exhibit some shortening or rounding of the fork tines.   

Crafty 

The plate wear is excessive and may be present both front and back or may exhibit some surface pitting.

Fork may exhibit some pitting or scratches.

Fork tines may be worn in both shape and length .