jaymassive619
Sith Lord
I have put this post up on Rebelscum but i thought i'd put it up here as well see what you guys think about the subject
Oh and if any of you know of of any sound / tursted loose sellers let me know.
Also if any of you have any genuine C9 - C9+ minty figures or beater moc's that you would be prepared to sell or trade (lots of stuff available) let me know guys. Cheers Jay
I wanted to start a discussion regarding the use of the C1 - C10 Scale. Specifically regarding loose figures.
As somebody that has collected MOC for many years i have recently decided to put a nice C9 - C9+ loose set together. What i didn't realize is what a minefield this undertaking would turn out to be
It seems to me that the C scale is seriously misinterpreted in today's market. A huge proportion of eBayer's who are selling loose vintage starwars figures are grading their figures at C9 - C9+ incorrectly. In fact i see ton's of figures with C9+ in the title or C9 increments e.g C9.2 etc when its plain to see the vast majority of these are not even close to C9 condition.
Now many of the sellers do try and give a description of defects along side there chosen C9+ grade but many don't!
As we all know certain defects are hard to detect on an average photo especially if its just a front shot. Its pretty easy to conceal a host of defects when taking pictures and many times you have to reach for the ask a seller a question button.
I have lost count of the sellers who have C9+ figures with good looking photos who when i have messaged have come back to me with a list of faults as long as your arm. (One key is to ask them very specific questions).
Genuine example taken for a sellers response to questions asked of a C9.6!! figure.
"Hi The Limbs are off white, After looking closely there is some some paint wear to the back of the head, small paint chip to the left hand, a small scratch to the back of the left leg about 1 cm and some pink staining to the rear of the right boot. Still a very nice figure in my opinion. Many Thanks -----"
How can that possibly warrant a C9.6 Grade?? Kudos for an honest reply though.
The biggest problem i have found when purchasing loose figures advertised in C9+ condition is that your are dam lucky if 1 in 4 (or less) of the figures you have purchased is actually in C9 condition.
After speaking to many loose collectors on the boards its seems its not just eBay where this happens. Apparently here on RS you just as likely to purchase a C9 - C9+ figures only to find that they have numerous defects e.g yellowing/loose joints/staining/paint wear/etc falling well below the expected standard of C9 - C9+ and like eBay unless you ask first your not told. (I'm not speaking personally here as i have yet to buy loose figures here on RS im just going by what many of my fellow loose collectors have told me.)
This following post is only an observation / opinion and i genuinely welcome other people to comment especially more experienced loose collectors any hints tips experiences to share would be greatly appreciated.
Whilst i fully understand that the C scale is subjective i personally feel the incorrect use of the term C9, C9+ and C9 point increments e.g C9.5 are often used to boost sales / prices by sellers.
Ill sign off with a picture of a C9.2 Luke Original from Ebay
Jay, I edited your post so that pictures loaded, you must use the tag not [image], ok mate? Bollux[/color]
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[b][color:"red"]I have included below some interpretations of the C Scale that different Sellers / Dealers are currently using to grade Vintage Starwars Figures.
Most of the variations on the C scale that i found are pretty consistent and nearly all the C scale variations tend to agree that any figure rated in C9 - C9+ condition should be a high end piece that is in mint condition
[/color][/b]
[b]Understand the “C†scale[/b]
The “C†scale rates condition on a scale of one to 10, with a C10 rating indicating high quality and a C1 rating indicating poor quality.
C10: The C10 rating represents perfection and is incredibly rare.
C9: C9-rated Star Wars action figures have minimal defects and are excellent collector-quality toys.
C8.5: C8.5-rated Star Wars action figures are in very good condition. However, collectors may shy away from them.
C8: Star Wars action figures with a C8 rating, the lowest collector-grade rating, have visible flaws but do not look worn.
C6/7: C6 - C7 - rated Star Wars action figures have rips and apparent flaws. Collect them for nostalgia value only.
C5 and lower: Star Wars action figures with a rating of C5 or lower are very poor quality. They often have large parts missing and well-worn features.
[b]Below is the "C" scale we use to grade our inventory.[/b]
* C9.5 - Figure is in mint condition, without any visible flaws or defects. Expect a high price because it's very rare to find a figure like this.
* C9.0 - Figure is in near mint condition with very few minor flaws (barely noticeable unless you search hard).
* C8.5 - Figure has some very minor areas of wear and may have small flaws.
* C8.0 - Figure has minor paint/sticker wear, may have minor stains, discoloration, and stress marks but no damage.
* C7.5 - Figure has some play, paint/sticker wear and may have some stains, discoloration and stress marks.
* C7.0 - Figure has play wear, moderate paint/sticker wear and may have moderate stains, discoloration, and stress marks. Figure is still collection worthy up to this point.
* C6.5 - Figure has more play and paint/sticker wear, and may have stains, discoloration, and stress marks. Figure may have a broken part.
* C6.0 - Figure has heavy play wear, paint/sticker wear and may have heavy stains, discoloration, and stress marks. Figure may have one or more broken/repaired parts.
* C5.5 - Figure has heavy wear damage, repairs and stains/discoloration.
* C5.0 - Figure has many flaws, wear, tears, stains/discoloration and may be broken.
* C4.5 - Figure has major flaws, and play wear (tears, stains/discoloration) and may be broken.
* C4.0 - Figure shows severe play wear, damage and may be used for parts.
My C Scale
C10 = Mint - stiff limbs, good colour + paintwork throughout and looks perfect to me - any defects are factory only.
C9 = Very minor paint rubs or flecks - not noticable unless examined close up.
C8 = Still displayable, but paint rubs more noticable + possibility of slightly looser limbs.
C7 = Obvious paint rubs / defects and/or loose limbs - but still cool and poseable!
C6 = Good for kids and gap fillers only (as a rule I do not list C6 figures).
If I cannot decide between two ratings I will use a between grade eg C8.5. Its all subjective and I'm by no means an expert so if you have any questions please ask!
