My Condition Reports Because these are antiques, they are subject both to flaws of manufacture and post factory damage.    Manufacturing flaws, for example firing cracks, glaze pops, glaze skips or runs--and bubble or straw lines in glass items--are generally non devaluing unless they are visually offensive.  If they are something that would not normally pass that factory's quality control, they are considered devaluing.  For example, a few glaze pops in a souvenir item by a low end factory are entirely to be expected.  The same flaw in a Heubach or Meissen is not to be expected.    A kiln-caused firing crack is usually a small irregular crack with factory over-glazing and does not normally affect the competence of the item, nor is it usually devaluing.  In contrast, hairlines, chips, and fractures are devaluing and will be discounted for in the price.  Sometimes the factory overglazed a chip or "mold pull" in which case it is not a devaluing fault.  Chipped applied work (for example on elfinware) is expected and the amount of devaluation depends on extent and visibility.  Old pottery is especially vulnerable, and as any majolica collector will tell you, the presence of non-distracting chips is the norm rather than the exception.    I check each item carefully with a loupe and have made every effort to include any described flaw in my site pictures and descriptions.  If you question something, please ask me.  If you are unfamiliar with a term, Google is a great reference.  For example, as a search term entry "firing crack" definition will yield many very good explanations.

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Additional Shipping Information Shipping charges assume USPS Priority mail and insurance.  If item is sent by Priority Mail, delivery confirmation is provided free by the post office.  There are less expensive shipping options that make perfect sense.  If an item weighs 13 ounces or less, it can be shipped First Class mail, just like a letter.  First Class packages arrive in about 3 days--the same time frame as Priority mail.  First Class mail can be insured.  It is wonderful for small lightweight items, often saving you $1-$2 in shipping.   You may choose not to insure items valued at under $30 if you accept responsibility for postal errors.  If you don't want insurance on an item, I will still require a minimum of delivery confirmation (.55 cents for First Class items; free for Priority mail items per USPS pricing).   I have given actual weights for every item.  You can assume a 7" Priority sized box will weigh about 6 oz with packing material and add that to the shoe weight to estimate if the item is eligible for a First Class rate.  Further information is available at the postal site:  http://www.usps.com/consumers/domestic.htm I almost always have plain boxes, so if you want First Class rates, ask, and I will try to accommodate.