Condition Guide
Most items at PosTerBooK are original paper ephemera — movie flyers, exhibition flyers, DM flyers, posters, postcards, and other printed materials that were often made for short-term circulation.
Because paper items are rarely found in identical condition, we grade each piece individually. Every grade is paired with written condition notes and photos of the exact item.
PB grades are internal PosTerBooK reference grades. They are not third-party certification.
How to read our condition notes
Each listing includes a PB grade, short notes about visible wear, and photos of the actual item for sale.
The grade gives a quick overview. The written notes explain what is actually visible. If an item has corner wear, edge wear, creases, stains, pinholes, tape marks, writing, foxing, toning, paper loss, or other notable marks, we try to mention them clearly.
Please always read the item-specific condition notes and review all photos before purchase.
PB grading scale
Near Mint / A+
A very clean example with little to no visible wear. Minor handling or storage traces may be present on close inspection, but no obvious flaws stand out in normal viewing.
Excellent / A
A well-kept copy with light storage or handling wear. Small edge touches, faint surface wear, or very minor corner softening may be present, but the piece still presents cleanly.
Very Good / B+
A solid and displayable copy with light to moderate visible wear. Minor corner wear, small creases, slight handling marks, or gentle toning may be present. The item remains suitable for display and collection.
Good / B
A complete original item with clearly visible wear. Creases, edge wear, small stains, light waviness, pinholes, tape marks, or other signs of use may be present.
Fair / C
A worn but still identifiable and collectible copy. Heavier creasing, tears, stronger discoloration, foxing, marks, or more noticeable condition issues may be present. Best suited for archive, study, or completion purposes.
As-Is / D
A heavily worn item sold as found. May include major tears, staining, paper loss, trimming, tape damage, writing, or other structural flaws. Suitable mainly for reference, study, or archival keeping rather than display.
What we check
When grading paper items, we usually look at:
- Corners
- Edges
- Creases or folds
- Surface marks
- Pinholes
- Tape marks or residue
- Writing or stamps
- Toning or foxing
- Stains
- Paper loss or trimming
- Reverse-side condition
Notes on age and paper
Because many items are original printed materials, natural age-related changes can appear even on well-preserved copies. Slight toning, gentle curling, or faint storage marks are not unusual.
Some newer flyers may have very little age-related wear, but can still show light handling or storage traces.
Before purchase
Please review all photos carefully and read the individual condition notes in each listing.
If you need a closer look at an edge, corner, fold, surface detail, or reverse side, contact us before ordering.