Practice makes perfect

[Stryfe1000]

OK, so I'm trying to get some skills in accurately grading.

 

I've got my Overstreet.

I've trawled the internet

I've lurked in this very forum for a few months.

 

Now it's time for a test.

 

I've picked a modern with a busy cover, (Lee's are always "Busy") as I assume that they are probably hardest to spot flaws in. It's my reading copy, so it has been handled and read (Carefully) multiple times. I didn't see much point using an unread, carefully stored and perfectly preserved copy for this test.

 

I've listed what I've spotted and what my guestimate grade is. I'd appreciate your comments, guidance, and general feedback. Hopefully your guru level knowledge will help me out and provide assistance to others.

 

Front cover.

 

Top left corner - slightly blunted

Top right corner - slight abrasion

bottom left corner - slight blunting with some colour chipping

Consistent level of gloss across whole cover

 

Spine

 

Small stress crease 1cm below bottom staple (fc)

Small stress crease 3 cm above botton staple (fc)

Small stress crease 0.5cm from top corner (fc + bc)

Small stres crease 1cm below top staple (bc)

Small stress crease 5cm below top staple (bc)

Small stress crease 1cm below bottom staple (bc)

 

Back Cover

Consistent level of gloss across whole cover

 

Staples

Shiney and centred

 

Pages

Complete, with no obvious damage

 

 

 

My stab - 7.5

 

 

[etanick]

I think you are a little harsh..8.0 or even higher for me. Not that I have much experience in modern since I don't own one modern slab. Lets see what other people will say.

[jessebrook1]

Before i even saw Stryfe1000's 7.5 grade, i thought the same thing 7.5.

[rjpb]

If this were a Silver/Bronze book it would likely grade around 8.5, but being a modern probably 7.5/8.0.

 

As it is not worth slabbing, I doubt anyone would complain if it were sold as a VF copy.

[Stryfe1000]

Great.

 

So I'm in the right ball park then. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I'm gonna have a go with a few more of my read books over the next few days. Might try some with some less obvious flaws that I know / think to be a higher grade than this one. Should provide me with more of a challenge.

[VK]

8.0 good luck honing your chops!

[zuckuss2003]

I think 8.0 also.

[oakman29]

VF (thumbs u

[ARK]

I think 8.0 also.

+1

[crazyhips]

8.0. Looks like you hit most things...maybe even a little too harsh. One thing I would also mention to be on the lookout for with moderns is fingerprints, especially visible fingerprints. The glossy covers of moderns really attract them.