Condition in this category is not a scale. It is a history, and the words the trade uses are precise for a reason.
The four words
Original — as made. Age and wear are not faults here; they are the evidence.
Repaired — something broke and was mended. Say what, where, and whether it shows.
Restored — work done to return the piece toward its original appearance. Refinishing, retouching, replaced veneer, rewiring. Always declared, because good restoration is designed not to be visible.
Married — made up from parts of more than one original piece. A common and legitimate thing to sell, and one of the most serious misdescriptions there is when it is not declared.
To those add replaced parts — handles, hinges, glass, feet, upholstery, movement — each named.
Patina is not dirt
The surface an object has acquired over its life is usually part of its value. Describe it; do not remove it. If you have cleaned, polished or refinished anything, that belongs in the description as clearly as a crack.
What to list, in order
- What it is, as far as you know
- Measurements, in centimetres
- Original, repaired, restored or married
- Replaced parts
- Damage: chips, cracks, losses, woodworm, water damage, old repairs
- Whether it is structurally sound and usable
- What you have done to it
Say the uncomfortable thing first
The crack, the replacement, the fact that the pair is made up. Said first, it is a fact the buyer priced in. Found in the parcel, it is a return and a rating you will carry.
Questions people ask
Is woodworm a dealbreaker?
It is a disclosure. Say whether it is old and inactive or current, and show it.
Should I describe something as antique if I am not sure of the age?
No. Say what you can support and let the buyer judge. Vagueness about age is honest; a confident wrong date is not.
How do I describe a repair I did not make?
As an old repair, visible or invisible, located. You are describing the object, not taking responsibility for its history.
More: condition words across every category, buying antiques.