Currier and Ives Original Prints
from the collection of:

George Cohenour
4301 Beaumont Road
Dover, PA 17315
Phone: (717) 292-5345

Orders & Information, e-mail: cohenour@currierprints.com

Information from "CURRIER & IVES LITHOGRAPHS VALUE GUIDE" 

Before getting into the Standard Grading System which is based on a prints current condition we have to understand what some of the defects are and how they effect the prints final evaluation.

 

Although there are many reasons a defect may have occurred to a print they can generally be placed into three categories

 

Mother Nature - Her insects love to eat the sizing in the paper leaving holes, rodents need material to make their nests, everything needs water but not to much, and the Sun must shine but it fades colors.

 

Human – The sheet was cut to fit a frame we have or it was framed using materials that transfer acid to the paper. We ran out of room and stored the print where Mother Nature could do her work or maybe the print was folded to fit a drawer and keep it safe.. Someone picked up and held the print between the thumb and two fingers creasing or tearing the paper. A home remedy was used to clean the print resulting in an improper conservation / restoration treatment.

 

Accidents - Dropping or your child kicks the frame breaking the glass which scraps, gouges, or cuts through the paper , worse yet, being in an accident with your print in the vehicle.

 

The quickest way to use the following Grading System is to find the defect. What we see first is usually the paper size. If it is not on a full sheet it can not fit into the Grade of Mint. The margin size then will determine the highest grade it could possibly be. If next we see a defect within the image, such as the paper was folded or there is a long tear, hole, dark staining, etc. we can not place it into a grade where any of these defects are not allowed, no matter what size the sheet of paper is or the amount of margins left.. As we go down the list of what is not allowed the print will only fit into one grade properly.

Dealers and collectors alike need to talk the same language when evaluating the condition of a print. Over the years a conscience formed as to what constituted a print in a certain condition. There are basically five categories in which a print may fall, Mint (10), Fine (9or 8), Very Good (7 or 6), Good (5 or 4), Poor (3 or less)

Mint – Pristine (10) - This lithograph is on its full uncut sheet of paper, the impression is strong, the original colors are bright and fresh, the paper a light even patina. There are no defects to be found either within the image area or with the sheet of paper. In short the print almost looks like it was made yesterday.

Fine (9 or 8) – This lithograph has a sharp impression, bright colors, there are no defects within the image. The sheet of paper is of a light mellow tone and may have slight margin discoloration. The sheet of paper, if reduced in size, will still have margins of at least 2" for large, 1 1/2" for medium, and 1" for small folios.

Very Good (7 or 6) – This lithograph has a crisp impression, good coloring, there are no defects within the image except for a small non distracting area.. The sheet of paper has some toning and or slight discoloration, there may be a short repaired margin tear but not close to the image. The sheet of paper, if reduced in size, will still have margins of at least 1 1/2" for large, 1" for medium and 3/4" for small folios.

Good (5 or 4) – This lithograph has a clear impression, nice colors, image defects may include a short tear, some discoloration, foxing or scuff mark. The sheet of paper is toned with other defects. The sheet, if reduced in size, will still have margins of at least 3/4" for large, 1/2" for medium and 3/8" for small folios.

Poor (3 to 1) – This lithograph may have a poor image, muted colors, image defects may include a number of problems not allowed in the other grades such as being folded, a tear longer than an inch, dark back board stain, knot hole burn, scuffs or gouge marks, heavy water staining, insect holes, etc. The sheet of paper may have the above defects and be very brittle to the touch or disintegrating from acid content. The sheet of paper, if reduced in size, may have little or no margins.

Of course there is always the exception. What if the print exceeds the requirements for one grade but does not quite meet the next higher? The question also applies to a print that except for this problem fits in this grade. Rather than try to develop another grade some find it easier to note the difference.