I have tried to compose a standard for shortening the description of pens, either for personal use or when offering pens for sale. The code-key could be posted along with the pen-list, if desired.
The following codes should be used to establish an overall condition, rather than be taken literally. Flaws should always be noted, such as scratches, cracks, dents, etc.

PM = Pristine Mint. Untouched, unfilled. No marks or spots whatsoever. Crisp colour. Never filled. This condition rarely exists. Absolute perfect condition.

M = Mint. Perfect condition. No marks, spots or brassing. Crisp colour and shiny finish on plastic pens. No discolouration. Working condition. These pens can be filled. Not filled pens should be noted. NOS pens should be in Mint condition.

NM = Near Mint. An excellent pen, but with parts of duller finish or nearly invisible surface scratches. No brassing, virtually a Mint pen, but with small signs of usage.

VF or EX = Very Fine or Excellent. Visible, but not accented surface scratches or parts of dull finish. More accented scratches where the cap goes on the butt and body. Otherwise fully functional and crisp finish with no brassing.

FN = Fine. Visible surface scratches or dull finish. Signs of wear on the nib or light discolouration of the section or around filling lever or button filler. Light brassing or small lip crack. Clear signs of usage, but still a better than average pen.

VG = Very Good. Some scratches and dull finish. Signs of everyday usage on nib or body. Brassing, light all over discolouration. Minute lip or body cracks. Loose cap rings or body rings. A used pen in average condition.

G = Good. Scratches, dull finish. Nib and body well used. Brassing, discolouration. Small lip or body cracks. Light cap or blind-cap misfit. Loose cap rings or body rings. Worse than average condition, but still a fully functional pen.

F = Fair. Severe scratches and marks. Severe brassing. Discolouration. Small lip or body cracks. Cap or blind-cap misfit. Loose cap or body rings. Still functional, or functional with light attention.

P = Poor. Severe scratches and marks. Svere brassing and discolouration. Severe cracks or essential parts missing. Cap, bodyrings or lever missing or loose. A not functional parts pen.

Abbreviation:

BC = Blind cap
BCHR = Black, chased hard rubber
BHR = Black hard rubber
BLHR = Black lined hard rubber
BY = Body/barrel
CF = Capillary filler
CL = Clip
CP = Cap
CPT = Crome plated trim
CS = Clip screw
EB-1 = Engraved body/barrel. Light and small
EB-2 = Engraved body/barrel. Light or small
EB-3 = Engraved body/barrel. Deep or large
EB-4 = Engraved body/barrel. Deep and large
EC-1>4 = Engraved cap. Ditto.
ED = Eyedropper filled
FU = Filler unit
GF = Gold filled
GFF = Gold filled filagree
GFM = Gold filled mounted
GFT = Gold filled trim
IF = Ink feed
IM = Iridium
LF = Lever filler
MBL = Marble
MHR = Red and black mottled hard rubber
MIB = Mint in box
NB = Nib
NF = Never filled.
NOS = New Old Stock. Untouched, unfilled pens, not currently available in stores.
NPT = Nickel plated trim
NS = Needs sac
PF = Plunger fill
PR = Plunger
RBHR = Red and black hard rubber
RCHR = Red chased hard rubber
RG = Rolled gold
RHR = Red hard rubber
RRHR = Red-ripple hard rubber,
RT = Ring top
SGM = Solid gold mounted
SF = Silver filagree
SFD = Silver filled
SGF = Solid gold filagree
SN = Section
SPT = Silver plated trim
SSM = Solid silver mounted
TD = Touchdown filler
TR = Tassie ring
VM =Vermielle

© 1999-2003 Tony Fischier. Copyright is free when this line is included.

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