Mint = no signs of use. It may have been deep for testing and then cleaned.
Near Mint = may have been used briefly, or may have slight shop wear. Professional engraving should not be considered a fault, but it will be mentioned.
Excellent = has been used, but shows only minimal wear; No nicks or cracks, no brassing or minimal, imprints are strong,
Very Good = moderate wear including minor surface scratches and minor wear to trim. May have fading of imprints, plating or minor discoloration, but no cracks or gouges. All parts, including replacement parts are original.
Good = signs of wear but it is fully functional. These signs may include minor nicks and scratches and wear to metal trims, metal may show light dings or appreciable brassing. Moderate discoloration of cap and barrel permitted as well as slight hairline crack to cap.
Fair = heavily worn, though fundamentally sound. May have severe discoloration, trims may be worn or missing, may have very evident cracks. Pens in worn condition may still be valuable if they are rare and uncommon and in demand by collectors.