Auction Date:2018 Dec 05 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Bohemia (1717–1780) who was the mother of Marie Antoinette. Impressive archive of 31 handwritten letters in French by Empress Maria Theresa, including 25 signed (most “Marie Therese,” and occasionally “MT”) and six unsigned, on black-bordered mourning stationery, many undated but circa 1766–1778. All are to her son-in-law Prince Albert Casimir August of Saxony, the husband of her favorite daughter, Maria Christina. The correspondence reveals her deep understanding of domestic and international politics and her appreciation for maintaining the balance of power in Europe, covering a wide range of topics including the notorious Esquilache Riots in Madrid, the Russo-Turkish War, War of Bavarian Succession, and the modernization of her empire. These letters also include discussions of various family matters, touching upon Maria Christina's physical and emotional health. A brief outline of these subjects:
The Esquilache Riots, 1766: In March 1766, Maria Theresa breathlessly recounts the details of the Esquilache Riots, which had forced her in-law, Charles III of Spain, to flee Madrid temporarily. The riots were sparked by a decree issued by Leopold de Gregorio, Marquis of Esquilache, banning long capes and broad-brimmed hats, a traditional Madrid costume, which allowed weapons to be easily concealed. This measure caused a riot when the government began enforcing the ban. Maria Theresa writes: “News of tumult in Madrid that happened on March 23. People gathered by the dozen and more, shouting bread bread, prices were excessive for some time. They went to the palace of Squilacci [Esquilache] to club him but having found a way to escape they ransacked the house and went to the King’s palace demanding bread and death to Squilacci. There were a lot of talks but nothing could make them happy. They were stopping all the passer-by to look for Squilacci even our secretary of legation was nearly clubbed while going to the court to ask news about the royal family who had to flee the same night at 3 o’clock and went to Aranjuez. Tumult increased even more in the morning when it was known that the king had left. Misfortune had it that there were only 2 battalions in all of Madrid and couriers were sent to get troops but all this did not help at the time. More than one hundred persons were already dead. The King was forced to speak to them from a balcony capitulate and sign that Squilacci would be chased first from all of Spain; he left right away to Cartagena; that bread and all food be at half price and that the Spanish coats and round hats that the king had forbidden to wear be restored and that he uses only Spanish ministers in the future no strangers. It is feared that Grimaldi will be brought down also for which I will be sorry it is a terrible humiliation but nothing else could not do otherwise. At this time nobody will be more affected than the king who is not used to give ground. After this ceremony there were only shouts of joy and they were carrying palms all over the streets. I am waiting anxiously further news. The family was still in Aranjuez the 27.” Maria Theresa, in a testament to her deep understanding of politics and society, understood that the root cause was not a decree concerning dress, but rather “Bread bread bread.” Fortunately for Maria Theresa, she would not live to see the riots that would engulf France and bring her daughter Marie Antoinette to the guillotine in 1793.
Russo-Turkish War, 1768–1772: Austria endured financial difficulties following the the Seven Years War, which had engulfed Europe from 1755 to 1763. Maria Theresa spent the next fifteen years rebuilding her empire’s finances and reforming its institutions. When war erupted between Russia and the Ottoman Empire in 1768, she was justifiably worried. Although Austria was a longtime enemy of the Turks, Austria joined with Prussia and Great Britain to mediate the conflict. One of her advisors, Maria Theresa complains in a circa 1771 letter, ”is not in agreement. He would like to crush these poor Turks with the Russians and share the cake to which I will never go along.” Part of the mediation strategy involved Austria mobilizing a large body of troops in order to pressure Russia into making peace. Maria Theresa laments that the operation “would require 3 or 4 millions. It would be a high price to pay for a simple demonstration.” The demonstration would, however, pay off—Frederick the Great of Prussia, worried that Austria would enter the conflict on Russia's side and upset the balance of power in Europe, engineered the first partition of Poland in 1772. In exchange for staying out of the war, Austria gained sovereignty over the Kingdom of Galicia.
War of the Bavarian Succession, 1778–1779: Maria Theresa's greatest rival for dominance in Central Europe was Frederick the Great of Prussia, and they had already fought twice during her reign. At the start of 1778, another war erupted between the two great German powers in a conflict involving the succession to the Bavarian throne. Though hundreds of thousands of Austrian and Prussian troops were involved, no significant battles took place and most casualties were the result of disease and starvation. With a huge army of Prussians in Moravia, Maria Theresa confides to Albert on June 14, [1778], that, “although the surrender of Moravia pains me but I am almost starting to believe that we will spend that campaign in the most disagreeable incertitude but however to be preferred to a torrent of blood effusion.” The Austrian and Prussian armies continued in place in Moravia through the end of the year, but no advantage was gained by either side. Despite the lack of major hostilities, each army lost about 10,000 soldiers—the conflict became known as the 'Potato War' due to the hungry troops. Still, Maria Theresa preferred this over a large-scale conflict, writing on August 13, 1778: “I prefer a thin peace to a glorious war depriving me of my children and my crack good generals and soldiers. It is the thoughts of an old mother and wife but also of a Christian sovereign and friend of these friends.”
Maria Christina, the empress’s favorite daughter: Despite the press of politics, Maria Theresa did not ignore her maternal side. While she enjoyed a reputation for being highly critical of her children including Marie Antoinette (whom she considered lazy), as well as Maria Amalia (poor French and haughtiness), Maria Carolina (political activism), Leopold (coldness), she did not behave the same way toward Maria Christina. Of all her children, Maria Christina was the only one allowed to marry for love rather than diplomatic or strategic advantage. Maria Christina chose Albert Casimir, a son of King Augustus III of Poland who became best known as an important art collector. Maria Theresa's concern for her daughter's well being is evident in this correspondence; while briefing Albert on developments in the War of Bavarian Succession, she confides to him: “I do not spoil her [Maria Christina] by offering her all that I show you, but I owe her this justice in regards to you deserving to be informed, unique reward for her. Her health has repented a little for it, not for being sick but for this discomfort, such as headache, coughing but that do not keep her at home, but a note from you makes her get over it right away. I have loved my late adorable spouse very much but she still wins me over in affection and strength. I will never stop on this subject making my whole comfort.”
Reforming and modernizing the Austrian Empire: Despite her outspoken political and religious conservatism, Maria Theresa made impressive efforts to centralize the fragmented Austrian dominions. However, the nature of the diverse empire often thwarted her ambitions for reform. She discusses some of these frustrations: ”If we must stop at what people say or at critics of parties nothing would be done in this world and whom could expose themselves [to danger] if we hesitate to take upon ourselves to do good without looking if others find it good or bad…If you are not convinced of this necessity then we can leave everything but it is necessary that we represent nothing on this subject and let it be known which council with best knowledge of what is right for the good of the country is responsible. I am so shaken that they do not always take timely countries interests which results in hardship afterwards, like the one of Bohemia and Moravia and next nobody wants to be responsible.” When Maria Theresa ascended the Hungarian throne, she promised to maintain residences both in Austria as well as in Hungary. There, she made her home at Pressburg (now Bratislava), residing in Bratislava Castle. Prince Albert, as governor of Hungary, also made his home at Bratislava Castle. During the 1760s, she embarked on ambitious renovations to the castle and the city, employing the great inventor Johann Wolfgang von Kempelen to design and implement a new water system to supply the castle and its gardens. Von Kempelen also designed the first bridge to span the Danube at Pressburg in 1770. The subject of a bridge comes up several times in the correspondence. A 1766 letter concerning the long overdue project encapsulates the difficulty of the project: “Everything you tell me for the bridge is so true but expenses are excessive…in all justice it could not be put against the city and I. I could not be in charge of it either. With time to think about it carefully maybe some ways can be found but for this year a flying bridge is necessary.” It appears that the “flying bridge” was not built in 1766, but in 1770 when Von Kempelen constructed a pontoon bridge over the river; the first permanent bridge would not be completed until 1891.
In overall fine condition. Accompanied by complete translations. A fantastic research archive from one of the most significant European rulers of the 18th century.
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RR Auction complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm.
Limitation of Damages:
In the event that RR Auction is prevented for any reason from delivering any property to Bidder, or Bidder is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of RR Auction, the liability, if any, of RR Auction, shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the amount actually paid for the property by Bidder. In no event shall RR Auction be liable for incidental, special, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits, value of investment or opportunity cost.
Unauthorized Statements:
Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on a registration form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied upon by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction.
Bidder’s Remedies:
Under no circumstance will RR Auction incur liability to a Bidder in excess of the purchase price actually paid.
This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Bidder in conformity with the Warranties and Limitation of Damages provisions of these Conditions of Sale, and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Bidder by law. The Bidder hereby accepts the benefit of the Consignor’s warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the Consignor for the Bidder’s benefit. In the event that Bidder demonstrates in writing, in the sole discretion of RR Auction, that there was a breach of the Consignor’s warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Bidder, RR Auction shall make demand upon the Consignor to pay to Bidder the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the Consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Bidder within thirty days after such demand, RR Auction shall disclose the identity of the Consignor to Bidder and assign to Bidder all of RR Auction’s rights against the Consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and assignment, all responsibility and liability, if any, of RR Auction with respect to said lot or property shall automatically terminate. RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction - this remedy is as to the Consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Bidder only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances.
If Bidder wishes to challenge the AC within the period of the Certification of Authenticity, Bidder must present written evidence that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field. If RR Auction agrees that the lot is not as represented, Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be a refund of their purchase price, with no other costs, liabilities or amounts recoverable. If RR Auction does not agree with the claim by Bidder, then the Parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures of these Conditions of Sale.
Any such challenge concerning an AC or Certification of Authenticity must, without any exception, be brought within one (1) year of Bidder’s notice to RR Auction of Bidder’s contention that the lot was not authentic, or six (6) years from the Auction Date, whichever is sooner.
If the description of any lot in the Catalog is materially incorrect (e.g., gross cataloging error), the lot is returnable if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the Auction Date. If there is any discrepancy between the description in the Catalog and the AC, then the description in the AC shall control. This paragraph shall constitute Bidder’s sole right with respect to the return of items, and no refunds shall be given for any items not returned to and received by RR Auction.
NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE.
RR Auction’s Additional Services:
For Bidders who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’s premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Bidders, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Bidder. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice, RR Auction will include an administration charge.
Headings:
Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer.
Entire Agreement:
These Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties.
If any section of these Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections or terms and provisions of a section shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Governing Law and Enforcement
The Parties agree that any agreements between the Parties including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston, Massachusetts, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the Auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location.
The Parties agree that these Conditions of Sale, and any other related agreement(s) are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for its conflict of laws principles. The Parties agree that any dispute related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale, or related to or arising out of any other related agreement(s) shall be submitted to confidential binding arbitration (the “Arbitration”) before a single Arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”). The Parties agree that the Arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the commercial rules of the AAA. In the event that the Parties cannot agree on the selection of the Arbitrator, then the Arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA. The prevailing Party in the Arbitration shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the Arbitration, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. The Parties agree that Bidder shall have no right to recover consequential or indirect damages, or lost profits damages.
The Parties consent to the enforcement of the decision in the Arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in either the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Except as provided in Bidder’s Remedies with regard to the Certification of Authenticity, any dispute, claim, cause of action related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale or any other agreement(s) between the Parties must be brought within one (1) year of the acts, omissions or circumstances giving rise to the alleged claim, without exceptions. This provision is intended as a full, complete and absolute release of any claims after one (1) year of such acts, omissions or circumstances. The Parties agree further that these waiver provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute, specifically including but not limited to third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder. These provisions are consideration for the execution of these Conditions of Sale.
The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the Parties’ agreement, and the Parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration related to or arising out of any Auction of an item sold for less than $10,000. This right shall relate to the individual item price, such that RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration for items that in the aggregate exceed $10,000. The prevailing Party in such a proceeding shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the proceeding, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. This right of enforcement is unique to RR Auction, and these Conditions of Sale are a waiver by the Bidder of any right to enforcement or adjudication outside of an Arbitration.
CONDUCT OF AUCTION
Estimate Prices:
In addition to descriptive information, each item in the Catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction (the “Estimate Prices”). In other instances, Estimate Prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimate Prices are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or sales tax (see under separate heading).
Owned or Guaranteed Property:
RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction.
Before the Auction:
Bidder may attend pre-sale viewing for all of RR Auction’s auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. Bidder is encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. Bidder may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction’s staff are available at viewings and by appointment.
Maximum Bids – All Auctions:
To maximize Bidder’s chance of winning, RR Auction strongly encourages the use of maximum bids. RR Auction will then bid for Bidder until the lot reaches Bidder’s specified maximum. Maximum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under Bidder’s bid.
Successful Bids:
The fall of RR Auction’s hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the Bidder. If Bidder’s salesroom or absentee bid is successful, Bidder will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice.
Unsold Lots:
If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the Consignor. RR Auction has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer’s Premium, return rights, and disclaimers.
Bidding—Timed Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Any Bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. At that time, an extended bidding period goes into effect. If Bidder has not bid on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT, Bidder may not bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. Only those Bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the only Bidder on a lot at 6 pm EST/EDT, that lot is awarded to Bidder. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm EST/EDT will remain OPEN to ALL Bidders until 7 pm EST/EDT or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm EST/EDT, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm EST/EDT, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot (the “30 Minute Rule”). The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the Auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm EST/EDT. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the high Bidder, raising Bidder’s maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the Auction at any time at its sole discretion.
Bidding - Internet – Live Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through one or more of the following Third Party services: www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable.com and www.icollector.com. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. RR Auction treats any third-party site bids as floor or telephone bids. Floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over third party sites bids, and floor bids are considered earlier than telephone bids. All RR Auction lots purchased through the third party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium.
Miscellaneous:
Agreements between Bidders and Consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize RR Auction’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, RR Auction reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and Consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement.
Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with “do-not-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available.
Rules of Construction: RR Auction presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Conditions of Sale by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety.
Glossary of Condition terms
For decades, RR Auction has led the industry in providing an accurate and detailed condition statement for each item that we sell. Starting in 2016 we’ve decided to take a fresh approach to describing each item’s condition.
As our website and catalog images continually improve, and bidders can see obvious details from those excellent images, we’ve decided to simplify things, using the same terminology to describe an item’s overall condition (on an ascending scale of 1 to 4: good, very good, fine, very fine), but only adding specific details, if any, that would not be obvious from the illustration.
VERY FINE describes an item in virtually flawless condition, and is used sparingly for items of exceptionally attractive appearance.
FINE is the most common statement of condition, and applies to most items that we offer. It describes items that show expected handling wear, generally acceptable random flaws (such as light creases, small bends, etc.), and an overall appearance that is pleasing to the majority of collectors.
VERY GOOD describes an item that exhibits more moderate flaws (such as toning, light staining, professional reinforcements or repairs, etc.). Most collectors would be comfortable with items in very good condition, and this would be the expected condition for many formats (early presidential documents, for example).
GOOD describes an item with obvious visible flaws, including heavy wear, missing portions, or repairs that affect appearance; generally items in this condition are offered only if an item is otherwise exceedingly rare or important.
Of course we’re more than happy to provide more in-depth information about any item via phone or email. We hope this new system will make for easier reading and a more pleasant bidding experience.