World Class™

In order to achieve this prestigious ranking, the item listed must pass inspection as the finest example of it’s type. Virtually no imperfections will be seen in this category.

Quick Overview:

– Taxidermy quality will be world-class / museum ready.
– All attributes will be of exceptional quality & record-class when applicable.
– Estimate: 3% of Taxidermy items qualify to receive this ranking.

Recommendation: The World Class category is set aside for the serious collector or decorator who require the highest tier of products available. World Class items can stand alone as a centerpiece in any museum exhibit or taxidermy showcase. Choose this category when you require nothing less, than quite literally, the best of the best.

Premier™

Items listed in the Premier category are some of the highest quality products available in the market. The Premier ranking demands paramount quality with only the slightest naturally occurring imperfections tolerated.

Quick Overview:

– Taxidermy quality is Premier, showing fine detail in craftsmanship.
– All attributes will be of superior quality and trophy-class when applicable.
– Estimate: 7% of Taxidermy items qualify to receive this ranking.

Recommendation: This category is ideal for the refined collector or decorator looking for a top quality premium item that is sure to be the centerpiece of any room or collection. Our most fastidious collectors often build their collections with items ranked Premier or higher.

Excellent™

Items listed in this category are sure to meet or surpass the quality of common products found in the popular market. Typically only small, natural imperfections like scars or blemishes will be tolerated in this category.

Quick Overview:

– Taxidermy quality is Excellent with great attention to detail.
– All attributes will be of fine quality and above average for the species/type.
– Estimate: 30% of Taxidermy items qualify to receive this ranking.

Recommendation: This category is ideal for the collector or decorator looking for a high quality item without the premium price tag. This is one of our most popular categories and comes with our highest recommendation for the typical decorator or collector.

Nice™

Items ranked in this category are some of the most common items found in the market. These products will display good quality with a just a few imperfections, scars or range marks.

Quick Overview:

– Taxidermy quality is average and common throughout the marketplace.
– All attributes will be of standard quality and average size.
– Estimate: 30% of Taxidermy items qualify to receive this ranking.

Recommendation: This category is ideal for the collector or decorator looking for one of the best quality-to-price ratios we offer. Choose this category (or higher) for your weekend cabin, restaurant, man-cave or business. This is one of our most popular categories.

Fair™

If ranked in this category, the item may have several naturally occurring flaws and/or imperfections, but still maintains good overall integrity and craftsmanship.

Quick Overview:

– Taxidermy quality is below average, but still maintains integrity.
– Attributes may be slightly lower-grade or below average in size/quality.
– Estimate: 15% of Taxidermy items qualify to receive this ranking.

Recommendation: This category is ideal for the collector or decorator looking for the best possible price while still getting a fair overall quality mount. The fair grade ranking should not deter any collector or decorator from a one-of-a-kind piece.

Vintage™

To be ranked in this category the item will have a vintage styling. Vintage items should not be assumed as poor, as these items may have previously been higher in quality. Components used in fabrication will also be of vintage or retro style.

Quick Overview:

– Taxidermy work is vintage or retro styled and varies in overall appearance.
– Attributes may vary greatly in size, shape and color in this category.
– Estimate: 15% of Taxidermy items qualify to receive this ranking.

Recommendation: The vintage classification usually refers to the products age, not necessarily its quality. These pieces are ideal for the vintage collector with an eye for a unique or one-of-a-kind piece. The classic look and retro appearance of vintage items have made this category increasingly popular among our clients.

Classic™

The “Classic” grade is unique to all the other grades in our system because it includes multiple qualifiers. First, the mount must be of great quality, and will most often grade in the Nice, or Excellent grade category. Second, the item will feature custom-made scenery, such as a border/frame or setting artistically enhanced by several traditional visual accents.

Quick Overview:

– Items with the Classic grade will most often include a mount of Nice or Excellent quality.
– Items including extensive, custom-made bucolic accents will receive this grade.

Recommendation: This category is perfect for the buyer who is looking for a one-of-a-kind piece that features old-fashioned flavor, hunting and fishing accessories, or represents something timeless, and traditionally found in a setting like a cabin or hunting lodge.

Plus Designation™

To be awarded a Plus designation, the item must be at the top end of its grading tier. Items receiving a plus offer an exceptional value without paying the next grade level price. The following grades are eligible to receive the plus designation: Premier, Excellent, Nice, Fair and Vintage. Poor and World Class are not eligible to receive the plus designation.

Quick Overview:

– Each item receiving a plus will be at the upper portion of the grade.
– Estimate: the top 25% of each category receives the plus designation.

Recommendation: Look for plus grades if you would like the best possible mount without paying the next tier level price.