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JETEFAN
03-14-2006, 12:18 PM
It Seems That Most Of The Grades I Have Seen Lately From Mears Is Either A-5 Or A-10, Most People I Have Dealt With Will Not Even Consider A Mears A-5 Letter, Is Anyone Else Having This Problem Or Feels The Same Way, Why?

Thanks For Input
George

earlywynnfan
03-14-2006, 01:04 PM
I assume you're talking about jerseys? They get a 5 because modern jerseys aren't able to be specifically pinpointed as genuine, unless the player signs them as "game used," which will probably lead to a grade of 10. I'm sure it's described somewhere on the MEARS site.

Ken

trsent
03-14-2006, 06:53 PM
Right from the MEARS web site:


Post-1987 Jersey's: The highest grade a post-1987 jersey can obtain without team or player documentation, or verifiable provenance, or a combination of known distinct player specific traits is an A5.

A10 Manufactures characteristics of the jersey have been compared to known authentic examples and match in tagging, lettering, numbering, size, patches or memorial bands, materials, style, buttons, zipper, etc. Each piece is also evaluated on the degree of evident use and wear, which must be consistent with that of the player, sport, position, field of play, and duration of use. No negative traits, incorrect manufacturers specifications, or use characteristics can be present to be awarded this grade. The Player, team, or event provenance was provided at the time of inspection and fully supports the attributions and player wear.

A9 Manufacturers characteristics of the jersey have been compared to known authentic examples and match all criteria. This grade is awarded when the jersey has a minor flaw that does not warrant more than a full point deduction. No reasonable doubt can exist as to whether or not the player wore the jersey during the proposed time frame in order to receive this grade.

A6 thru A8: Manufacturers characteristics of the jersey have been compared to known authentic examples and match all criteria. In addition, if the jersey exhibits optimal use and wear, up to 3 additional points to the base grade of A5 may be awarded for these characteristics. Since Hall of Fame players and period superstars are most susceptible to forgery, the A6 thru A8 grade is generally reserved for common players, utility players, coaches & managers.

A5 Manufactures characteristics of the jersey have been compared to known authentic examples and match all criteria. Each piece is also evaluated on the degree of evident use and wear, which must be consistent with that of the player, sport, position, field of play, and duration of use. The degree of wear will be measured from minimal to heavy and the jersey cannot exhibit negative, missing, or incorrect manufacturers traits or use characteristics. When team or player provenance is lacking, wear can be measured, but not attributed directly to examined player. Without reasonable and verifiable provenance for post-1987 Hall of Fame or period star player jersey's, the A5 designation may still be assigned if the jersey possesses all the qualities and physical characteristics of a Major League jersey that was manufactured for player use or as an extra for a team or player, or one that may have been made available for retail sale or promotion. For jersey's assigned the A5 grade, use and wear will be described, but not verified.
A1 thru A4 These grades are rarely assigned to a post-1987 jerseys since jerseys from this time period are infrequently recycled as replacement jerseys are so readily available. See full MEARS point criteria for factors, which can lower the final grade. When points are subtraction for jerseys from this time frame, reasons will be noted and included on the "Jersey Grading and Authenticating Official Worksheet."