Lantern Condition and Rarity Grade Scale
PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL FINISH SCALE - It's important to note that this scale usually refers to the PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL FINISH REMAINING ON THE METAL SURFACES. Note that if a lantern has no original finish remaining AFTER RESTORATION, than this system does not apply. Also, if a lantern has been refinished, it would not be considered to grade above a (G-8) Near Mint. Although a percentage description may be used, such as "90% of Restored refinish remains."
Condition:
10: Gem Mint (G-10) New Old Stock.
Absolutely factory new, never fired, never fueled. Containing 95-100% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint. May be sealed in a factory Crate, box, or bag. Patent models with tags and papers.
The Gem mint grade will command significant premiums.
(Nearly everyone would want to own this grade, but it is rarely ever seen.)
9: Mint (G-9) Un-fired / un-restored
Just like Factory New, except has been handled and opened from original packaging. Otherwise exceptionally perfect. The appearance of being Un-fired / un-fueled, wick in unlit condition. Very minor flaws, containing 85-95% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint.
8: Near Mint (G-8) Minor use or Restored
Same as factory new but with very little use - perhaps used briefly, stored away from the elements. No heavy rust, no missing original parts. Brass or Nickel finishes with little to no wear and or polished/re-nickeled.
May have been properly restored / cleaned.
Containing 75-85% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint if un-restored. If restored, may have a clean bright finish with little to no blemishes.
7: Excellent (G-7) Used/Restored
Metal is smooth with little to no rust, Brass or Nickel finishes with slight wear. May have been restored / cleaned, with OEM replacement parts- globe,burner etc. Brass or Nickel finishes may have been polished or re-plated.
Containing 60-75% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint if un-restored. If restored, may have a clean finish with little to no pitting.
6: Very Good (G-6) Used frequently
Like the Excellent grade but metal has light to moderate rust, Brass or Nickel finishes with wear. May have been restored / cleaned, with aftermarket replacement parts- globe,burner etc. Brass or Nickel finishes may have been polished or re-plated. Frequently used or has had an older restoration.
Containing 50-60% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint.
5: Average (G-5) Barn fresh
The most commonly found grade, having found in an uncleaned or refinished state after many years. Metal may be moderately rusted or pitted/cracked in places, cleaned or repainted. May need re-restoring complete restoration or cleaning.
Containing 30-50% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint.
4: Good (G-4) Heavy use
Some minor replacement parts, Parts may need to be cleaned/oiled or replaced to be operable. Metal may be rusted or pitted/cracked in places, cleaned or repainted. May need restoration or cleaning.
Containing 20-30% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint.
3: Fair (G-3) Restoration required
Some replacement parts needed, metal rusted or pitted/cracked in places, cleaned or repainted. Seeping fount or minor pin holes. Needing new solder and Restoration.
Containing 0-20% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint.
2: Poor (G-2) Damaged but Restorable
Some major parts may need to be replaced; minor and major parts missing. Metal rusted or pin holed, may be pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or repaired. May possibly be restored with extensive work but never reach over a (G-5) Grade.
Containing 0% original finish, tinning, japanning, or paint.
1: Parts only (G-1) Beyond restoration
Major and minor parts missing, metal deeply pitted, cracked or rotted beyond a repairable condition. Cracked or broken irreplaceable globe. Mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable with little to no usable parts.
Rarity:
A lack of this knowledge routinely causes novices to overpay for a quality piece, equating condition with rarity. The Rarity Scales ONLY MEASURES KNOWN PIECES ; they do not address condition. Two different pieces each with say, only 5 known, may be worlds apart in price.
10: UNIQUE (R-10) Only one example to exist
Patent models, Prototypes, one-off
9: ULTRA RARE (R-9)
Less than five known to exist
one may be only offered for sale once every few decades
8: EXTREMELY RARE (R-8)
one may be only offered for sale once every few years
7: VERY RARE (R-7)
Almost never seen, only one may be offered for sale in a years time
VERY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN, seldom seen even in large collections
6: RARE (R-6)
Seen only one a few times for sale in a years time
DIFFICULT TO FIND and ONLY SEEN IN LARGER / OLDER collections
5: VERY SCARCE (R-5)
Hard to find but can be obtained online and rarely in the wild
4: SCARCE (R-4)
Hard to find but available regularly online and sometimes in the wild
3: UNCOMMON (R-3)
Almost Available on a monthly basis
2: COMMON (R-2)
Almost Available on a weekly basis
EASY TO OBTAIN and seen in most collections
1: VERY COMMON (R-1)
millions made
Readily available at any show,sale, or practicality anywhere