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Graham Forsdyke's Cosmetic Condition
Scale is now universally used and approved by the International
Sewing Machine Collectors Society (ISMACS) to determine sewing
machine condition, so that
when machines are described among collectors, they can all have a better idea of
it's state other than, good, very good, poor, etc. This scale is independent of
mechanical condition which has it's own rating scale. If something is broken or
missing this should be stated separately under mechanical condition. Some
machines may be near perfect cosmetically and yet not run mechanically such as a
jammed or broken hook assembly or burned out motor. Conversely, a machine that
runs perfectly may not have been cared for cosmetically and have rusty metal
parts or a severely scratched finish or missing decals.
The overall worth of a sewing machine is
primarily determined by it's cosmetic condition rather than it's mechanical
condition.
 | Forsdyke's Cosmetic Condition Scale
| 10 |
MINT! Just
like the day it left the factory. Not a scratch or mark upon it. There
have been only two machines documented in this category. Never been used
OR used a handful of times. Decals PERFECT! |
| 9 |
NEAR MINT.
Similar to 10 but with the small, odd scratch or wear mark evident upon very
close inspection. The machine has only been used a few times or for a very
short stretch of time. Decals PERFECT! |
| 8 |
EXCELLENT used condition.
All paint very good; all metalwork bright. What the average antique dealer
would call "perfect". Decals near perfect, perhaps a slight
mark/scratch in a few locations. |
| 7 |
VERY GOOD used condition
but rubbing of paint evident and some nickel plating worn. Decals have
scratches or a few very small nicks in the pattern. Perhaps some faded
regions on decals from fabric wear. |
| 6 |
GOOD used condition. Similar to 7 but more wear to paint and
some surface rust to the bright work. Decals will have much more wear,
missing sections, or quite faded in spots. |
| 5 |
An AVERAGE, well-used, ill-cared-for
machine looking for someone to love it. Deep scratches in finish, decals
have large worn/missing sections. Significant rust on bright parts. |
| 4 |
POOR condition.
Chipped enamel, rusty metalwork but acceptable for a collection if a rare
machine. |
| 3 |
In need of
RESTORATION but a reasonable job for a dedicated sewing machine
enthusiast. |
| 2 |
TOTAL
RESTORATION needed
to paintwork and bright metal. It's a brave collector that takes this type
of machine on. |
| 1 |
For PARTS ONLY!!......and
these would be in need of extensive restoration. |
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Graham Forsdyke also says, regarding machine
value:
1) The super
rare will always appreciate, whatever the condition.
2) The super common will appreciate, provided the condition is good.
3) The super common in poor condition, will never appreciate.
4) Poor restoration markedly reduces the value of any item.
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