Grading of View-Master Packets and Reels

Grading Vintage View-Master Reels and Packets: As with all vintage collectibles, the quality of its condition determines both its value and desirability. This is our attempt to standardize the categories.. View-Master reels and packets can be categorized broadly into three groups: Collector Grade Economy Grade Bargain Grade Rummage Grade COLLECTOR GRADE:
COLLECTOR GRADE single reels and 3 reel packets, and their jackets, sleeves, and booklets share the qualities listed below:
sharp edges and corners on jackets, booklets, sleeves no tears or rips no soiling no bubbling of reels no violeting, nor fungus of images crisp and clean - some very minor age discoloration Generally, to be Collector Grade there can be no more than one very minor defect. This will always be represented by the smallest number of items qualifying for this highest grade. Non Kodachrome Sets still qualify for this category if they meet the qualities above.
ECONOMY GRADE: ECONOMY GRADE single reels and 3 reel packets, and their jackets, sleeves, and booklets share the qualities listed below:
light wrinkling at edges light bumped corners light age discoloration minor general wear light bubbling of reels no violeting of nor fungus of images light wear in top flap fold Generally, to be Economy Grade there are two or three minor defects that barely keep the item from being considered Collector Grade. This will always be a larger group than the highest quality.

BARGAIN GRADE:

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BARGAIN GRADE single reels and 3 reel packets, and their jackets, sleeves, and booklets share the qualities listed below:

bumped corners
light tears or rips
heavy soiling
light bubbling of reels
light violeting and/or fungus on images
wear in top flap fold
overall discoloration

Bargain Grade is the broadest range in quality varying from one significant defect to many minor defects to many significant defects
This will always be by far the largest group, understandably because vintage items were used and/or stored where harm and/or wear happened. The price will be 1/2 of the COLLECTOR GRADE.

RUMMAGE GRADE Similar to Bargain Grade but with many more defects and with substantially lower prices.