The FINE TOOL JOURNAL
CONDITION CLASSIFICATION CHART FOR ANTIQUE HAND TOOLS
Revised Edition Copyright © 1991
| CATEGORY | USEABLE | FINISH | WEAR | REPAIR | SURFACE | MISC. |
| New | Totally | Metal: 100% Wood: as manufactured |
None | None | Metal: no rust Wood: surface smooth, edges sharp |
"+" indicates original package or box |
| Fine | Totally | Metal: 90-100% Wood: 80% original or old finish | Minimal | None | Metal: trace of rust, some dark patina o.k. Wood: surface smooth, edges slightly rounded |
Makers marks, if present, clear and easily legible |
| Good+ | Yes--may need tuning | Metal: 75-90% Wood: Well patinated appearance | Normal | Minor or none | Metal: light rust Wood: minor surface stress, edges good | A few dings and/ or scratches are o.k. |
| Good | Yes--may need serious tuning | Metal: 50-75% Wood: pleasing patination, may have some stains | Normal to moderate | Minor but correct | Metal: light rust, some minor pitting Wood: minor chips, shrinkage cracks |
This category represents average, as found condition |
| Good- | Probably | Metal: 30-50% Wood: some patination; staining or discoloration prominent, or refinished | Moderate to heavy | Correct | Metal: moderate rust, moderate pitting Wood: warping, ships, minor splitting |
This category definitely indicates a problem, although the general integrity is o.k. |
| Fair | Probably not | Metal: 0-30% Wood: extreme discoloration, poor refinishing | Extensive | Major, improper or missing parts | Metal: moderate to heavy rust, serious pitting Wood: warped, split, large chunks out, major cracks |
Normally not suitable to add to a collection, may be good for parts |
| Poor | No | n/a | Excessive | Damaged, missing major parts | Metal: heavy rust, major pitting Wood: rot, rough surface, glued splits | Only useful for parts or raw materials for the repair of better condition tools |