Condition language should describe observable evidence rather than vague labels such as excellent or minty.
Head and face
Record hairlines, cracks, chips, rubs, repaint, stains, firing flaws, eye damage, missing teeth, ear holes, and wig attachment.
Body and limbs
Record crazing, lifting, repaint, replaced fingers, joint wear, loose elastic, splits, repairs, missing finish, corrosion, and mechanism function.
Hair and clothing
Record cuts, missing plugs, glue, dryness, tangles, fading, stains, moth holes, shattered silk, replaced fasteners, and labels.
Odor and environmental damage
Must, smoke, perfume, mildew, pests, heat, and plastic deterioration can affect condition, safety, and value even when photographs look attractive.
Compare current collector listings
Use listings to study marks, faces, bodies, clothing, boxes, faults, restoration, and market supply. Asking prices are not completed-sale evidence.
Compare collector listings