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Universal Condition Guide for All Toys

As you are cruising through your favorite auction sites or want ads, seeking out that "gotta have" Tonka truck, you have probably stumbled across what is referred to as a condition guide or code. The guide may be presented in simple alpha numeric terms or as an acronym.

I have researched many references in an effort to determine just how to define what the condition guide really means to the Tonka truck enthusiast. Interestingly, it appears that many sellers use their own interpretation of the condition guide in an effort to woo a potential buyer and that's where the trouble can begin. One person's rose may be another person's thorn. To clear up any confusion between a seller and potential buyer as to toy condition, pictures speak volumes, enabling the potential buyer to make a more informative assessment. Does "A picture is worth a thousand words" sound vaguely familiar?

The tables below define how to assign a condition code for your Tonka or any other pressed steel truck. Please note, that the condition codes can be found at your local bookstore in the value guides referenced.

Alpha Numeric Condition Guide

CODE	DEFINITION
C10	Just like new, in the original packaging.
C10	Just like new, but 'loose', not in the original packaging.
C9	Appears like new in overall appearance but exhibits very minor wear.
C8	Complete but has been played with. Signs of minor wear may be evident, but very clean and well cared for.
C7	Obviously been played with and shows general wear overall. Paint chipping is readily apparent. Minor rust may be evident.
C6	Evidence of heavy play; dents, chips and possibly moderate rust. May be missing replaceable components. May be in need of repair
C5 C1	Do you really need to know? Let's just define as donors, parts only to pure junk.

The above info can be found in Toys & Prices, 17th Edition, © 2010, Krause Publications, Inc.

Acronym Type Condition Guide

CODE	CODE	DEFINITION
M	Mint	Unplayed with, brand new, flawless.
NM	Near Mint	Appears brand new except upon VERY close inspection.
EX	Excellent	Has minimal wear, very minor chips and rubs, a few light scratches.
VG	Very Good	Definitely played with, loss of gloss, noticeable problems, several scratches.
G	Good	Some rust, considerable wear and paint loss, well used.
P	Poor	Generally unacceptable except for a filler.

The above information can be found in Schroeder's Collectible Toys Price Guide, 12th Edition, © 2010, published by Collector Books.