[va1erian]

I paid online for a Skywatcher Black Diamond reflector. The telescope was listed as new on sale.

When I came to pick it up, the shop owner told me the telescope was the last one, and it was displayed in a showcase behind a glass window. He said he checked it, and packed it in the original box. He told me this was a reason the telescope was sold at a discount.

I am a slow-witted introvert, and took the telescope. (Before, I bought all my equipment from overseas online stores where I could take my time to make a choice.) When I came home I discovered that the telescope was originally shipped 5 years ago, and the packaging label looked bleached by heat. Now I am thinking:

1) The "open box display" discount was too small, about 15% (or 7%, if I compare with the competitors);

2) Five years would result in some oxidation of the aluminium coating of the mirror -- should I arrange to re-coat the mirror, or just buy a new telescope ?

3) The box did not have a manual (I do not know if I should expect one or not). The Skywatcher website did not have a manual to download, but I found a generic one for collimating.

I would appreciate hearing your comments, especially on the point 2.