This item was played with by a child, so it shows signs of use. As it's a high-quality wooden toy, I personally feel it has "matured" rather than "aged." Compared to new ones, the paint has naturally blended with the wood, and the wood grain is becoming visible, which is beautiful. I believe this atmosphere is a result of being well-used, so please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for a condition close to new. I will wipe everything down with alcohol disinfectant wipes before shipping. There are also paint chips, scratches, and dents, but this is a toy that can be used by parents, children, and even grandchildren.