Why is a 12 ga Parker a "boat anchor" these days?

[MrBojangles]

I recently asked for help with the evaluation of a 12 ga Parker shotgun and one or more responses compared a 12 ga Parker to a boat anchor. Little interest.

Why is this so? The commonality, or lack if rarity, of a 12 bore? Increasing interest amongst women who might find a 12 bore's recoil to be punishing? An increasing average age of Parker owners who might find a 12 bore uncomfortable to shoot due age and increasing frailty and/or health related issues? Less folks interested in side by side shotguns which makes the less common more affordable? Any and all of the above? Or, something else?

I think this applies to all 12 ga shotguns. A Fox Sterlingworth with good plus condition is a $500 gun and has been stuck there a very long time. I know of a 12 ga Ithaca 5E New Ithaca Double that was nearly 100% except the recoil pad was toast from sitting on it in an attic for 70+ years that brought $5750 at auction just last month, including commission.

Thoughts?

[Researcher]

There are more shooter grade vintage 12-gauge doubles then there are people who want them.

[OH Osthaus]

which 12 ga Parker - what grade and conditon

a few uninformed opinions doesn't make it true

but- it does seem common lower grade double guns in average or less condition - f any make - are not hot selling items right now.


ask them if they are willing to sell you a 12 ga Parker for the price of a boat anchor if they are so uninterested in them

[MrBojangles]

I should add that, not just to be PC, an interest in Parkers amongst women is a good, no great, thing! Goodness knows we need more interest in vintage side by sides, even if not 12 gauges. I sure wish I could get my wife interested.

[MrBojangles]

Originally Posted by Rick Losey

which 12 ga Parker - what grade and conditon

a few uninformed opinions doesn't make it true

but- it does seem common lower grade double guns in average or less condition - f any make - are not hot selling items right now.


ask them if they are willing to sell you a 12 ga Parker for the price of a boat anchor if they are so uninterested in them

GHE 12 vs Damascus barrels, 1927, with condition.

[MrBojangles]

I should add I am the prospective purchaser, so a lower price for a potential "boat anchor" is a good thing. I hope to negotiate wisely! However, and no one can predict this, nothing prevents this from becoming even more of an anchor over time. Demographics are not in the favour of Parker owners!

[Bruce Day]

If you are selling a light 1 frame 12 ga Bernard barreled boat anchor , contact me .

[B. Dudley]

Lower grade 12g guns of any make will always be a “boat anchor” in any market as they are common. The more of them there are, the harder they are to sell.

[Alfred Greeson]

I can think of some things that make good boat anchors but never a Parker shotgun of any description. Like a nice set of concrete shoes, not in use at the moment, but never a classic Parker.

[Craig Larter]

I have been trying to sell a very nice antique DH 12ga 30" for $1850. with no interest so don't feel bad. The good news is you get a lot of gun for your dollar with 12 ga guns. I am a big fan of 12ga, there as pretty to look at as the small bores and 1/3rd the price. That way I can own three times as many! I figure why buy an expensive 28 ga long barreled Parker when I can just shoot very pleasant 3/4 oz loads in my 12's.