I like to rate conditions 1-5, 1 being the best and 5 the worst.
1- Museum condition, New in the box, does not have any signs of use whatsoever. Works very well. Expect collectors to place a premium, if it’s a sought-after model.
2-Great condition, Mild signs of use. may need servicing in the future, but still a rare find.
3-Good condition, around 40% of transistor radios I own will be in this condition when I find them. A scratch or two may be present, mild cosmetic issues. Does not have to work.
4- Fair condition, Most radios are in this condition. They are vintage items supposed to have a patina which may include mild cracks and scratches. These sets are good for restoring.
5- Poor condition, Rusted, cracked, chipped, and non-working. Missing some parts as well was surely an abused or heavily used radio. Would be a fun but lengthy restoration.
This does affect the value if you would like to sell your set, But you can get your set looking clean again if you know how to do it. Do NOT throw out a transistor radio, I would pay you to save it from the trash. My personal favorite radios are the “poor condition” ones I get a kick out of seeing something like that work again. I have a weakness for sad-looking radios 😉
thanks for reading,
Henry