NEW (NW)

This is a brand new trap with all the original factory shine. The trap shows no usage (such as trapper marks, rust, wear, etc.). This is not a trap that has been cleaned. If the trap has been cleaned to a new condition, it should be stated as such. New is also referred to as MINT by some collectors.

EXCELLENT (EX)

This can be a trap with a patina surface. Yet all lettering on the trap should be 100 % readable and sharp.

Some manufacturers of traps (B&L for one) had a reputation of stamping pans very lightly, or in some cases the die did not get a square hit on the pan, causing only half of the pan to be readable. Some collectors grade differently than others on this, but this should be noted when selling the trap.

FINE (FN)

This can be a trap with a patina surface. The lettering is very sharp and readable. The trap may be waxed and/or dyed. There is absolutely no rust pitting (explained in a later grade) on the trap. Trapper's marks may be acceptable, depending on the individual collector.

VERY GOOD (VG)

This is a trap with light to moderate rust pitting. The lettering at this stage is starting to suffer. Lettering on the trap will be 90 % to 100 % readable, but light. Rust pitting is holes or pores in the surface caused by rusting of the steel.

GOOD (G)

This is a trap that has moderate to heavy rust pitting. At least 50 % of the lettering on the trap is visible.

FAIR (F)

This is a trap that has heavy rust pitting, such as no lettering is showing. The trap should be complete without any missing parts.

POOR (P)

This is a trap missing major parts or extremely damaged regardless of condition. This does not include traps missing chains since some early manufacturers did not include chains on some traps. Traps missing chains should be stated as such in the higher grades. Traps graded as poor may only be valuable in extremely rare traps, or for the use as replacement parts to fix another trap.

May be used on grades to show an in-between state. In other words, a plus is better than the lower grade, but not quite as good as the higher grade. An example is a trap graded as EX+. This would be a trap with approximately half of the trap showing factory shine, the rest of the trap may have light rust patches. Therefore, it cannot be considered NEW.

         

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