How can a carded figure be U Graded

[itfciain]

Jez (CharlieCharlie) has just sent this one over to me for an opinion.

I reckon it is probably overpriced but what confuses me is how a carded figure can be U graded ? Maybe because it came out of a packing case ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNCIRCULATED-AFA-80-Star-Wars-JAWA-20-back-MOC-Meccano-action-figure-1978-RARE-/260949185321

 

[Joe]

Maybe because it came out of a packing case ?

Yep.

Several cases of Meccano Jawas have turned up over the years. In fact apart from mini rigs I can't think of any other "U" graded figure/toy that was still in its package.

 

[BlueDog]

That's about the only logical explanation I can think of Iain.

I guess we'll be seeing a few more pop up for sale if that's the case as the seller must have sent the whole sealed box for AFA to be able to verify it.

 

[itfciain]

Cheers Joe - seems a bit daft - but that is the U Grade for you

 

[Joe]

This is what the case for that particular Jawa looked like before it was opened:

And now it looks like this:

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

This guy is a member on TIG and RS so perhaps we might see some for on there too?

 

[e30318is]

I would LOVE a sealed case of meccano jawas......

 

[Joe]

I would LOVE a sealed case of meccano jawas......

To his credit I do believe he tried to sell it as it was but no-one was interested and as there was a hole in the side and dust was getting in he figured U grading was in some way going to offer better protection from the elements than the shipping case.

Not sure if I agree or disagree with U grading from shipping cartons, it's a grey area for me because boxes (especially fully sealed ones) just display like cardboard boxes (rather boring despite the history) and there is an increased risk of damage to all of the contents if left like that over time (degradation, box being dropped, collection room flooded etc)

 

[itfciain]

Yes, you are probably right Joe - I am not so bothered about the packaging case - I just think adding the U grade to it does little for it to be honest - I think it should be just graded as any other card

 

[Frunkstar]

I would LOVE a sealed case of meccano jawas......

To his credit I do believe he tried to sell it as it was but no-one was interested and as there was a hole in the side and dust was getting in he figured U grading was in some way going to offer better protection from the elements than the shipping case.

Not sure if I agree or disagree with U grading from shipping cartons, it's a grey area for me because boxes (especially fully sealed ones) just display like cardboard boxes (rather boring despite the history) and there is an increased risk of damage to all of the contents if left like that over time (degradation, box being dropped, collection room flooded etc)

I think in the same way about sealed multi-packs (to be U-graded but still within the baggies), but I think I may be on my own with that though, I feel that seeing as he could not sell it as is, its most likely the best way forward for this. box full of vintage mintyness 8)

 

[Joe]

Yep I agree with that Iain, the U thing is just something they add to make it more "special" - after all they ALL came from a shipping case at one point in time lol!

Some people go bonkers for that little letter though :lol:

 

[Joe]

I would LOVE a sealed case of meccano jawas......

To his credit I do believe he tried to sell it as it was but no-one was interested and as there was a hole in the side and dust was getting in he figured U grading was in some way going to offer better protection from the elements than the shipping case.

Not sure if I agree or disagree with U grading from shipping cartons, it's a grey area for me because boxes (especially fully sealed ones) just display like cardboard boxes (rather boring despite the history) and there is an increased risk of damage to all of the contents if left like that over time (degradation, box being dropped, collection room flooded etc)

I think in the same way about sealed multi-packs (to be U-graded but still within the baggies), but I think I may be on my own with that though, I feel that seeing as he could not sell it as is, its most likely the best way forward for this. box full of vintage mintyness 8)

I know it seems odd to be against U grading yet agree with the way they U grade multipacks and shipping cartons but at the same time it protects the items in a better way and creates an amazing display. The downside to opening sealed ones is that people who do collect sealed items are gradually losing their pool of sealed stuff to U grading

It's a hard one for sure- I would always advise people try to look for boxes + bags to create a display without opening a sealed example but if they really must open one at least keep the figures in bags.

 

[Caswellbot]

I think I know someone with a sealed shipping carton of meccano jawas. Not sure if he still has it though.

It's a tricky one for sure. It is a shame to take carded figures out of a sealed carton but there is a very limited market for people wanting to buy sealed shipping cases and keep them sealed.

Unfortunately the incentive to take out the contents and u grading them is normally high enough because of the financial gains. It's sad.

On the flip side you can have one ecstatic owner / focus collector with a sealed shipping carton or a douzen or more very happy u grade collectors.

It's not a decision id like to make. Probably because I'd buy the case and never open it to see the wonderful contents although it would be damn tempting.

 

[e30318is]

I agree with most of your opinions- to me the meccano jawa is different as you can see the contents and keep it sealed!
As for a kenner carton I can understand opening that up.... I couldnt resist the temptation! However I wouldn't u grade them, but that's a different subject

As for mailers I am of the same opinion- they do look great afa graded with the contents on display.

Hmmm, very much a grey area!!

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

This is diffo a grey area. TBH I am not sure what I would do. I would find it very difficult to not open the shipping case but I would try my best!

 

[shawn_k]

I always had felt in the past that the U grade should have been reserved for sealed cases like this, therefore actually making it "special" and making that U somewhat of an actual rarity. However, a sealed shipping case is certainly difficult to find in its own right, so it might you wonder if the contents should really be disturbed after all these years. Either way I don't view it as destructive as opening a MOC or baggie.

I used to have somewhat the same view on mailers, but that has changed a little. I'm in the minority in that I like the mailing labels and I think that if a mailer that was actually sent out is still sealed, that it should stay that way. You just have to be a bit creative in how you display that white box. When it comes to the overstock mailers I guess I'm still okay with opening them as they don't quite have the history of someone cutting out POPs and anxiously waiting 4-6 weeks for the postman to deliver that box.

I have Joe to thank for that view change on mailers. A few years ago I was hunting for the Star Wars is Forever poster w/ the envelope and happened upon a sealed on. I initially had planned on opening it up for a mint one with the inserts, but Joe knocked some sense into me. lol Here's a picture of it and sure it isn't much to look at like that, but in my display I have it paired up with the shelf talker used to advertise the offer, and a nice example of the poster on the wall. I haven't seen another sealed example since and doubt there are that many out there.

 

[Joe]

Sealed is better when it stays sealed *I remember that chat Shawn!*

Mind you I am not an angel myself, I opened a fair few figures in the beginning of my collecting days, nothing rare or in good condition but I definitely didn't understand that beaters had their place in collecting as well.