How scoring works

Late Century Modern answers one question: what is the smartest way to buy this piece right now? Everything below is shown on each listing with its reasoning. When we don't know something, we say UNKNOWN instead of guessing.

Delivered price

We rank on item price plus shipping, never on sticker price alone. When a seller states shipping, we use it. When they don't, we show an LCM estimate by shipping class (parcel, oversized parcel, freight, white-glove) and distance, clearly labeled EST. For pickup-only or pickup-available listings near you, we add the cost of the trip at $0.70 per mile, both ways — so a $600 chair 18 miles away can beat a $450 chair with $350 freight.

Price verdict

We compare a listing's delivered price with other current listings of the same design and the same type (original with original, reproduction with reproduction), plus sales history we have actually recorded. With three or more comparables we show the middle-50% range and a verdict: GOOD PRICE (at least 12% under the median), HIGH PRICE (15% or more over), or FAIR PRICE. With fewer than three, we show PRICE DATA LIMITED and make no deal claim.

LCM Value score

A weighted average of seven components, each 0–100 and each shown with its reason: Price (30%), Authenticity (15%), Condition (15%), Shipping (15%), Quality (10%), Seller (10%) and Documentation (5%). Unknown components are left out rather than guessed; if less than half the weight is known, the score shows “—”. Declared reproductions are not scored on authenticity, and are never presented as originals.

Authenticity classes

Original / Vintage — described as a period piece by the licensed maker. New / Authorized — current production from the manufacturer or an authorized retailer. Reproduction / New — unlicensed new production, including anything described as “style”, “inspired by” or “replica”. Unknown / Verify — not enough information. Classification uses the seller's own words and the source type. It is not a physical authentication.

Duplicates

The same piece is often listed on several sites. We match on seller, price, dimensions, location, title and photos, merge matches into SAME ITEM / MULTIPLE SOURCES, and show the cheapest legitimate option first.

Affiliate links never change the ranking

Some outbound links earn LCM a commission. The ranking code does not read commission or affiliate status. LCM Picks are chosen by our staff with a written reason shown on the listing.