That was going to be my next question...whether it's sealed or not. Since it is, this one has got me stumped.

 

Thanks. Custom boxes would probably be expensive.  

On the first try, I think I scraped some color off the box. The box flap has a little bit of a bend forward also, so I was having trouble getting it to slide into the tab. If there was just a little bit more play, I think it would go in nicely. I may give it another go.

 

I ljhg

 

No need to look at the back of the box. The front of the box doesn't even have the correct 84 design. It has the 85 template for the name box that includes the TF logo. Definitely a KO.

 

If that Prowl is a KO, they are getting better at matching the originals. Some of the obvious signs are missing from this such as the "Ages." instead of "Ages:" on the front. The only thing that looks like a tell is the character image is chopped off (side of the foot) and doesn't touch the edge of the box.

 

Getting the top flap into the tab is probably the trickiest thing with some of these boxes. You might have to do a little adjusting to straighten it out. If this doesn't work, try angling the box (when inserting it into the display case) so that better/flatter side of the flap goes under the tab first. Sometimes if you can get one side under it, the rest of the flap will follow.

They didn't mention it was free when they brought it up with me. In any event, I'm done with grading. I don't need the stress of shipping, handling, etc., especially with rare and fragile pieces. I'll case my own and display them that way. No more AFA, or any grading service for that matter, for me. Unless you want to be able to claim that you have the only 90 in existence or you need the grade for resale value, it's a waste of money IMO. I know what I have, so I don't need someone else to tell me. Personally, though I may not get as much for them, I've sold sealed ungraded figures much more easily than graded pieces, so I'll just go this route if I ever need to sell.

 

Cool. I'll ship every afa figure I have saying they are under graded. They have to come back with the same or higher grades! Kidding...

 

You should do it.  

 

jgh

 

I've had a positive response from my recent emails to AFA & they replied in a matter of hours to my concerns. All isn't fixed in 1 email but I was assured to continue my trust in them with their care & fair grading of my next submission so I'll look at sending 1 case fresh mint car that I believe should be a 90 overall with 90-90-90 or 85-90-90 subs if they want to be really picky on the box. If it's another 85(80-85-85) on a flawless window & figure toy or has additional handling damage that knocks the grade down they haven't addressed the issues I have with miss handling & grading consistency throughout my AFA collection. You know we all have numerous AFA toys to compare each one against the other & I have 50+ these days so its easy for me to sit a 90 next to an 85 & wonder how the hell the 90 ever got that grade when the 85 out shines it in every way. I can see how there can be some variation here because they don't have another previously graded similar toy to compare their grading assessment against. I also never saw 80 figure subs 4 years ago so we'll see how this next round goes & I'll post the results either way as they happen.

Free regarding assessments...I think that opens up the flood gates a bit but there are some grossly under graded toys out there which need to be revisited. Its all looking positive out of AFA this week I have to say which is great to see.

 

I thought this thread would appreciate this. Not graded yet. Sealed TM Thundercracker

 

Beautiful piece, Cordy.

 

Shit thats a sweet prerub Thundercracker! Congrats man  

 

That Thundercracker is gorgeous!

Before I throw this on eBay is anyone interested? Sealed on both sides and no GPS! I'm open to offers   Grades are 80, with 80,80,90 subgrades.

 

I'll grade it!

 

I have done that myself. They have never charged me for a regrade. Even replaced a case for me once that had a small crack in it.

 

Sweet Perceptor, Happy. Even though I've gotten away from many of the Season 2 characters, he's one of those figures I'm continually tempted to buy.

 

Agreed, its actually pretty cool that it has a 10x magnifying lens in the toy it self! On top of the fact its a rarity in sealed boxed condition anyway. Really nice Happy!

 

Ok so here are some pics of rub sign Mirage I'm sending in to AFA to see if they give this figure a fair assessment. If anyone wants to give their own assessment on what it might grade & where you would take the points off for flaws please put your opinions forward. There's no wrong answers here   The shine from the light is hard to keep out of any pics but you get a fairly good idea of what condition its in. My opinion is it should be a 90(85-90-90) or 90-90-90. No idea why the first 2 are upside down they aren't on my PC or photobucket... My computer has picked up a STD of some kind probably.

 

That's an awesome piece, Andy. I'm pretty much with you on the grades you mentioned. I could see 85/90 on the box (looks like the slightest hint of a small crease in that top right corner of the box...unless I'm seeing it wrong), and I don't see why it wouldn't pull a 90 for the window and figure, but who knows when it comes to grading. In any event, I think a 90 overall would be a very fair assessment. By the way, getting ready to shoot you a PM.