Mixed Lot

There are few things dumber than a socialist in a polling booth but the colleague that bet £20 against me doubling my money on a broken Conway Stewart fountain pen is a prime candidate. That's because fountain pen collectors are usually retired, wealthy, and obsessive in acquisition. They are good buyers in a buoyant market and, let's be honest, the proletariat don't buy fountain pens because they can't even write. In fact, the great unwashed typically use a thumbprint to sign-on the dotted dole line. Most of us may be tightening the purse strings, but not fountain pen collectors.
Unusually, I found the pen in a charity shop in Diss. I say unusually because it's rare these days to find anything that hasn't been nicked out of the backroom of a charity shop. Five pens for £30, except that four were Bics 'Is it possible to just buy the one?' I asked the assistant.
'I'll go and ask the manager' came the reply.
Now, here is the problem - as soon as I took the loupe from my pocket and inspected the green marbled Conway Stewart fountain pen closely in front of the entire shop, it became clear to all and sundry that I was an antique dealer. The volunteer, armed with that knowledge and concerned that the shop may have missed something, went to speak to the boss. Of course, they had underestimated the pen: Conway Stewart are one of the most popular quality makes and this one had a 14ct gold nib. Even damaged, it was a good find.
The assistant returned 'We can let you have that one for £15'
There are arguments for and against negotiating with charity shops. Having worked in the charity sector for many years, I use my discretion. In this instance I simply questioned '£30 for 5 or £15 for just one?'
No negotiation was required, the volunteer instantly capitulated and the deal was done at £10. My friend and I then retired to the local where we sank a jar over three games of pool (which I shouldn't have but did win 2-1).
What did the pen make? Well, that's between me and my maker (oh, and the twit I have to go and collect my £20 from).