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Author
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Topic: Grading standards for space mission patches
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Liembo
Member Posts: 583
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 03-04-2014 01:10 PM
   
Is there any standardized grading method for embroidered patches? I searched for other patch collecting areas, such as law enforcement and did not see a standard. There appear to be some Boy Scout patch grading services, but no standard between them. I don't think PSA type certification is necessary, but general grading guidelines for reselling patches would be useful I think?When I sell I try to use some of the broader baseball card and comic book terms: Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Used. I don't know if it's worth going in to the in-betweens like G-VG, or VG-E+, etc. Some of the considerations being: - thread fraying
- border fraying
- staining (front and back)
- anchor thread disconnection?
- border rippling
- fading
- adhesive remnants
- ??
Is it even worth standardizing? Would it be worth my effort to draft one for public discussion? Thanks! |
SkyMan1958
Member Posts: 867
From: CA.
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 03-04-2014 06:51 PM
If you are really in to it I say go for it. You could become the acknowledged expert in the field. You could potentially even create a new department for a company like Collector's Universe. |
Liembo
Member Posts: 583
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 03-10-2014 03:07 PM
I took a stab at a draft proposal for an embroidered emblem grading scale. You can read and comment on the draft version. There is also a summarized PDF table version as well. I welcome any comments and suggestions to the proposal. I don't know if the secondary market is strong enough to warrant such a guide, but if the law enforcement, BSA and space patch communities adopted it, perhaps it could gain some traction, at least among resellers. |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 03-10-2014 03:14 PM
You might want to look into how military patch collectors judge such things, I would suspect there's already some kind of system like this already in place.No need to reinvent the wheel if there is... |
Liembo
Member Posts: 583
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 03-10-2014 03:40 PM
I've not found a grading standard for any patch collectible areas, military, or otherwise. |
JBoe
Member Posts: 959
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 03-10-2014 04:29 PM
I really like your grading scale. I do have a question about how you would grade replica, original, reproduction, etc. patches? I know that there are so many reproductions or replicas that are either unauthorized or unknown that are available. I really like the advice that Armed Forces Museum gives in determining the popularity and rarity of certain patches to collectors. I know the site also notes that the stories or history of the patch can be a factor. Additionally, "Vietnam-made" patches are gaining popularity and beings there have been sightings of recovery ships' patches on eBay this may be a possibility as well. Great work! |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 03-10-2014 04:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by JBoe:
I know the site also notes that the stories or history of the patch can be a factor.
Generally among military collectors, the opposite is the case. A long-repeated mantra among military collectors is, "Buy the item, NOT the story." |
Liembo
Member Posts: 583
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 03-10-2014 07:23 PM
The grading scale does not differentiate between replicas or originals, only the condition of the patch itself. If a patch has a "history", that is above and beyond the scope of the scale and if there's an added premium, that's up to the seller to determine that amount. |
spaced out
Member Posts: 3110
From: Paris, France
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 03-11-2014 01:36 AM
For what it's worth, when selling patches I've always used a scale of: mint, v. fine, fine, and fair. |
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