Here is an adapted 1-10 grading system similar to the standard grading used to rate the condition of various vintage collectibles. This version rates the condition of handbags, wallets, luggage, and business accessories. Grading is based on condition only (desirability or prestige of designer or maker is not a factor).

10 - NEW WITH TAGS
Accessory is new and as it would be offered for sale in a retail store. It has the original store tags attached. It may also include the original store/factory packaging or box.

9 - NEW UNUSED
Accessory has never been used. Though new, it does not come with the original factory packaging. The original retail store tags have been removed. OR the accessory is a new handmade original (which of course would never include any sort of factory packaging).

8 - EXCELLENT
Accessory is barely used, in almost new condition. Any wear is not noticeable, or barely noticeable unless you look real close. Any interior linings are clean, with no marks, stains, or tears. Zippers, snaps, buckles and other hardware is in perfect working order. The key for locking latches is included. If it is a design that comes with a hand tag, it is attached. It has a dust bag if it originally came with one. Any removable parts are included such as; a shoulder strap, snap-in key ring, cosmetic mirror, garment bag hangers, luggage tag, etc.

7 - VERY GOOD
Accessory is used but shows very little wear. It may be vintage, but it has been properly taken care of by previous owner, such as cleaning, conditioning of leather, etc. Leathers retain an attractive patina. Fabrics retain their color and are not faded. Interior linings may have some small marks, but have no damage such as tears or unraveled seams. Interior linings which are light in color may show slight soiling even if cleaned. All zippers work properly. and have no missing teeth or missing pull tabs. Hardware such as snaps, buckles, latches, clasps are not missing and work properly. It is not missing any necessary removable parts such as a shoulder strap, snap-in key ring, cosmetic mirror, garment bag hangers, etc. It may be missing a key to a locking latch, dust bag, luggage tag, or the hand tag if it originally came with one.

6 - GOOD
Accessory shows slight yet noticeable wear. It has natural darkening from use to leather or fabric along edges and handles. It shows exterior surface wear, but leathers or fabrics remain attractive overall. Exterior may have some scuffs, scratches, and nicks, but no tears, gouges, or holes. Trim or piping at exterior corners and along edges shows wear but is not worn through. Ends of shoulder strap or carrying handles show some wear, but are not separating, cracking, or starting to detach from main body of bag or case. Interior linings may have a noticeable stain or two, some various pen marks, or a tiny tear. No more than one piece of hardware is slightly damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced such as; broken zipper, missing zipper pull tab, broken or missing snap, buckle, latch, etc. This accessory has the potential to look fabulous with a little bit of TLC or a minor repair.

5 - FAIR
Accessory shows noticeable and inevitable wear from a lot of use, and/or improper care of leathers or fabrics. It definitely shows wear such as; darkening to leather or soiling of fabric along edges, handles, or straps. It may have small areas worn through at trim edges and/or piping at exterior corners, especially the bottom edges and corners. Ends of shoulder strap or carrying handles show wear and attached ends may have some damage such as starting to detach or rip from main body of bag or case. Exterior may have a noticeable stain, discoloration, fading, dirty patina, a lot of small marks, an non repairable tear, or small section(s) of unraveled stitching. It may have damage to more than one piece of hardware such as; broken zipper, broken or missing snap, buckle, latch, etc. It is missing one or more removable part (if any) such as; a shoulder strap, snap-in key ring, cosmetic mirror, garment bag hangers, luggage tag, the key to a locking latch, the hand tag if it originally came with one. This accessory remains functional and is worth refurbishing to make it more attractive.

4 - SEASONED
Accessory is in the same condition as FAIR. The only difference is that it is a high quality vintage accessory made by a prestigious designer and was very expensive when purchased new. All in all, it was well cared for and properly repaired over time, and remains functional for many more years of use because of its quality craftsmanship. It may also be a sought after collectible design even in its worn "this old thing" general appearance.

3 - POOR
Accessory has a lot of wear and needs a few repairs, but remains somewhat functional. It's general appearance is shabby. Not only does it look like its about to fall apart, it may actually fall apart at any moment. It is dirty, and has obvious damage such as tears, and busted seams. It could be cleaned but would remain stained. Interior lining is dirty and worn, and looks like a dust rag. Interior linings may also have tears, or unprofessionally repaired rips (sewn or glued). It may also have broken hardware held together with rubber bands or twisty ties.

2 - BAD
Accessory has extensive wear and needs some major repairs to make it functional. Even after repairs, it will still look ugly and very worn. It has wear and damage such as straps or handles that have come off or are hanging by a thread. It may have an undesirable odor, mildew stains, or non fixable water damage. The seams are obviously splitting and/or separated in various areas. Leather is dry or cracking, or fabrics are fraying, faded, and torn. All in all, it is falling apart. It is a public embarrassment and a fashion faux-pas.

1 - TERRIBLE
Accessory is not functional at all. It's a real eye sore. It has extreme wear, a lot of damage, and is totally beyond repair. It probably has bad odors too (it is stinky). The only reason it's been saved from the trash is because it has parts or pieces of hardware that can be salvaged for repairing other accessories.