© The Card Case Forum, 2012
Hinges. Is the hinge sound or does the lid wobble? Is there a gap between the body of the case and the lid where the lid has become misaligned? Does the lid stay closed? Has the hinge been repaired? Lacquer, papier-mâché and tortoiseshell are susceptible to damage at the hinge.
Edging bands. Are these damaged or missing or have they been replaced with incorrect material (for example, wood)?
Surfaces. Check the surface in a good light; look out for chips, bruises and scratches; examine the varnish and the patina of wooden cases.
Corners. Corners are susceptible to damage whatever the material. Check them carefully.
Surfaces. Check the surface in a good light; look out for chips, bruises and scratches; examine the varnish and the patina of wooden cases.
Corners. Corners are susceptible to damage whatever the material. Check them carefully.
Likewise, if a case is in excellent, original condition, ask for this to be noted.
Learn. You will come to know what’s right and what's not, and spot problem areas with ease. For example, ivory with pique work decoration is prone to hairline cracks and it is rare to find a piece that is fault free.
Discover. You’ll form a view about what is acceptable to you and what’s not; there’s no right or wrong answer, and what is acceptable to one collector may be unacceptable to another.
Learn. You will come to know what’s right and what's not, and spot problem areas with ease. For example, ivory with pique work decoration is prone to hairline cracks and it is rare to find a piece that is fault free.
Discover. You’ll form a view about what is acceptable to you and what’s not; there’s no right or wrong answer, and what is acceptable to one collector may be unacceptable to another.
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