Condition Rating Guide
We grade every piece on a three-step scale. Below is what each rank actually means when the bag is in your hands.
A grade is a summary, not the whole story. Every listing also carries condition notes describing that specific piece — including the marks. Read those alongside the rank.
The scale
| Rank | In short | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| S | Near mint | Slightly used. There are almost no scratches. |
| A | Excellent | There are scratches, dirt and stains, etc. that are not noticeable. |
| B | Good, visible wear | There are noticeable scratches, dirt and stains, but there is no problem in normal use. |
A note on vintage and patina
Vachetta leather — the untreated tan leather on the handles and trim of many vintage pieces — darkens with time and handling. That deepening from pale beige to honey to deep amber is patina. It is not damage, and it cannot be reversed. Many buyers seek it out.
We describe patina in the condition notes and show it clearly in the photographs, so you can decide what you prefer rather than being surprised.
What a grade does not cover
Two bags with the same rank can differ. One A piece might have a faint mark on the back; another might have slight corner rubbing. The rank tells you the overall level of wear. The condition notes and photographs tell you where it is.
We photograph every flaw we describe. If you can read about it, you can see it.
Interior odour, and other things people ask about
Pre-owned bags sometimes carry a faint scent from storage. We note it when it is noticeable. We do not attempt to mask anything with fragrance.
We also note interior stickiness where it exists — the lining of certain older pieces can degrade over time — because it is the kind of thing that is easy to hide in photographs and impossible to hide in person.
Still unsure?
Ask us. We will tell you honestly whether a piece suits what you have in mind, including when the answer is that it does not.