Nothing disappoints a buyer more than receiving something that fails to meet their expectations of quality, or that was not as described in the original presentation. We are extremely concerned about this. Our experience has been that there is a lot of junk out there which is either knowingly or unknowingly mis-described.

We have put forth a lot of effort to describe our merchandise such that you can be assured at receiving what you are ordering. Over the years, we have adopted certain ways of doing things which have worked very well for everyone. These same methods are inherent in all of our web site merchandise.

There are many grading conventions in use throughout the antique and collectibles trades. It would be impossible to cover them here. But even if we did so, such information would not necessarily be helpful to a buyer unfamiliar with the subtle differences between different grades.

For example, a particular antique toy might rank a C8 or C9 in the O'Brien grading system, but even if explained in detail, these terms do not carry any intrinsic meaning. Whereas collectors and dealers have experience to discriminate between these terms and how they apply to condition, the average buyer most likely does not.

Whenever possible and when appropriate, we do include a specific grade. However, we also believe it is equally effective to simply describe an item as completely and accurately as possible. This serves everyone's best interests.

To that end, we try to apply common sense when making reference to a specific condition. In the above example, we would state that this particular toy is in near mint condition, in a very good package, and would be supported by a description of any/all visible defects. We would also endeavor to provide all revevant size, weight, color and physical attributes such that the description can stand on its own without images. Nevertheless, we do try to include as many images as possible so that you know exactly what we are offering.

We encourage you to ask questions about any item we offer, though you must do this before you place a bid. Nevertheless, YOU are the final judge. If any item we offer fails to meet your expectations, we will accept it back, no questions asked. You pay only the return shipping and insurance cost.

When we refer to a particular book condition (such as VG or Near Fine), that term carries with it a certain expectation of quality and condition. The grading standards below are the traditional AB Bookman's formal standards, and we adhere to them closely and conservatively. Note that we do not offer any books rated at less than GOOD condition -- all ratings below that grade are provided for reference only:

As New is to be used only when the book is in the same pristine condition in which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and if it was issued with a dust jacket, that too must be perfect without any tears.

Fine [F, near-fine, NF] approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine there must also be no defects, etc. If the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, those are so noted.

Very Good [VG, VG+] can describe a book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.

Good [G] describes the average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.

Note: Good is the lowest grade of book we offer, and there are very few of those. The terms below appear for reference only:

Fair is a worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects must be noted.

Poor or Reading Copy describes a book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is as a reading copy, since it does have the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.