Pen Grading

The world of pen collecting does not seem to have a standardized way of grading the condition of pens. This guide aims to standardize the way we at ThePenMarket.com classify our merchandise on a scale of 1 to 10 for cosmetic issues. Our condition grades do not include the operational nature of the pen’s filling system. Nor is it a reflection of the condition of the nib. Please, look to each individual pen’s sales description for a more complete description of the pen you are looking to buy.

Pen and Pencil Cosmetic Condition Grades:

N.O.S. = New Old Stock. N.O.S. can be a very misleading. It might be assumed that a N.O.S. pen is factory perfect. While it might be, we tend to think of N.O.S. as meaning the pen has never been used, usually retaining its original stickers or chalk marks for pricing. We sold N.O.S. pens that are new, shiny and perfect still in their original boxes. Yet, many N.O.S. pens have been separated from their boxes over the years. As such, we will give a numerical grade to a pen also listed as N.O.S. For example: A N.O.S. 10 will be a factory perfect pen. A N.O.S. 8 will be never used and likely stickered. However, it also might have the wear associated with our grade of 8.

10 = Perfection. No brassing, no engraving, water-clear viewing windows, crisp imprint, no cracks, no scratches, tight pocket clip, no wear from past use. The pen might have been filled and used, but it retains its factory-fresh cosmetic condition. Hard-rubber pens retain their full color and luster…no chocolate hazing. Very few vintage pens will make this grade.

9 = Almost perfect but not quite. No brassing, tight pocket clip, crisp imprint, no deep scratches. Ink viewing window might be clear, but it might start showing light discoloration or traces of ink staining. A professional engraving okay. Hard rubber pens might lack their original luster and/or start showing very light hints of discoloration. There might be a couple of incidental light, shallow scratches. Sterling silver caps and barrels show these very light scratches if you look at them funny or breathe on them. Maybe a teeny, tiny single little nick or blemish is barely visible if you look really hard for it.

8 = These are really good looking pens. Still really sharp with no brassing and clean imprints but not as crisp as grades 9 and 10. Pen saw gentle but regular use. Ink viewing window might be medium discolored or show a bit more ink staining but still clear enough to see ink levels. No deep scratches, but light, shallow scratches more common along with minor blemishes. A wear mark might just be starting to show where the cap posted on the tail or its proper closure point. Hard rubber pens might show light hazing or spots of light hazing. Chasing should still be clear, if present. Maybe a small spot of discoloration in the celluloid.

7 = Still really attractive pens but wear is starting to show more from past use. Small spots of brass showing through gold plating on high points such as the top and/or ball of the pocket clip. Viewing window might be darker with ink starting to be a little less noticeable when in the pen. Imprints legible but softer with edges or ends slightly worn down from the rest of the imprint. Hard rubber pens will show some hazing and chasing will be lightly worn in places. Pocket clip still tight. More light scratches and wear marks. Maybe a couple small nicks or blemishes. Discoloration of celluloid confined to one area but noticeable.

6 = An attractive pen but definitely user grade. No cracks, but light scratches and surface wear obvious. Imprint legible but flattening out and/or fading in spots. Brassing a little more obvious on pocket clip, cap rings and lever. Hard rubber about the same as 7. Ink can still be seen through viewing window but window will be dark and/or stained. Tight pocket clip. Small dimple acceptable if on top of a metal cap or tip of barrel. Celluloid discoloration might be darker in one place or becoming more widespread in one part of the pen, such as the cap or barrel.

5 = Very similar to grade 6, but everything is just a little worse. Maybe a dimple in a metal cap, barrel or trim

4 = Degradation becoming more obvious. Wear obvious. Imprint maybe not 100% legible, missing a portion. Hard rubber with full hazing and diminished chasing, possibly fully worn off in places. Brassing prevalent. Maybe a deep scratch or two. Plus one of the three problems: either a very small chip in the lip of the cap; a short hairline crack or a loosening pocket clip. Ink viewing window obscured. Possible multiple dents or impressions in metal cap, barrel or trim. A flat mark on the barrel or cap from someone trying to shave off an old engraving will drop most pens to a 4. Celluloid discoloration obvious in both the cap and barrel.

3 = Take 4 and then add both a crack in the cap lip and loose clip. Hard rubber heavily worn down and hazed. Imprint barely visible. Celluloid/plastic pens will have one of the following: the start of krazing or a bulge, say from the ring that supports the lever. Maybe the pen looks a little better than this but there is a small chip in the cap.

2 = Pen is heavily degraded. Krazing more advanced but not falling off the pen, yet. Celluloid or plastic is deformed. Total brassing likely. Maybe it can be fixed to a writing condition, but most people probably wouldn’t. Loose clip, chipped cap lip, a bad crack in the cap or barrel.

1 = Krazing is crumbling off the pen. Pen rusting. Finish is pretty well shot. Maybe clip or lever missing. Section won’t stay in barrel. Best to strip it for any salvageable parts.