Is it possible to buy an old generation AirPort Extreme from an Apple Store?

Question

Hi All
I've just bought an AirPort Extreme base station and think I've been ripped off by the seller.  Very upsetting.
His advert stated the following:
"It's only a year old, I think I used it for about a week in my old house. This is selling for £139 brand new, I bought mine at Sheffield Apple store."
I've just received the item and it turns out to be a 1st Generation model.  Before I pick this up with the seller I want to make sure I have my facts straight so was hoping you can help to confirm my understanding:
1)  This item is more likely to be 6 years old
2)  This item could not have been purchased from an Apple Store a year ago
Any information that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

I've just received the item and it turns out to be a 1st Generation model.
Manufacturing for the 1st Generation model originally began in February 2007 and was discontinued in August of that same year, 2007.
It's always possible that a "new" product sat unopened in a box for almost 6 years at an Apple Store, but it's also highly unlikely. The seller could bolster his claims substantially by producing a copy of the original bill of sale.
In general, the Apple Stores quickly sell any remaining inventory to make room for new versions when they are introduced, or return the older products back to Apple who in turn sells them to other vendors as discontinued models.