This is an absolutely beautiful Ship in a Bottle that will make a wonderful display in any home, office, nautical or maritime collection.
But far beyond the beauty of this bottle, is a folk art whimsy that is nearly 150 years old and dates to the 1880's. The style and techniques used in construction are very similar to those employed by the Soldiers Home Artist who is well known for his ships in pumpkin seed flasks that he built in the same time frame as this one. While the Soldiers Home Artist built his ships vertically in the flask with very much the same type of rigging and trick stopper, this ship is built horizontally in a strap side flask, filling the flask completely and finished off with a beautiful trick stopper. It has been argued that this was also made by the Solders Home Artist, being one of the few he built with a horizontal orientation.
There is another bottle by this Artist that is featured on page 154 in the book, "Genius in a Bottle - The Art and Magic of Bottle Whimsey," by Susan D. Jones. This book is the most definitive written on this subject and it is full of some of the finest bottle whimsies and ships in bottles made going back to the late 1700's. A copy of the page with this ship can be seen in the pictures I have posted but it, nor the book, are a part of this auction and are only presented for informational purposes.
This flask measures 8" x 3 3/4" on the large end and 3 1/4" on the shorter end. The three-masted ship is nicely rigged and flies the American flag along with several pennants and long banner. The bottle is sealed with a wooden stopper with a wooden crosspiece going through it inside the bottle making it impossible to open. On each end of the crosspiece and in the center are tassels in the American colors of red, white and blue. The flask sits on a stand that is not original to the bottle. The stand is however very well made and is custom built to the size and shape of the flask.
Opportunities to own a bottle this old and of this quality and rarity don't come along often. Now is your chance to purchase a showcase bottle for your collection!
Shipping and Other Important Information
While we pack well to protect the item, it is impossible to secure the contents of the bottle, so at our expense we will provide insurance for the buyer in the amount of the purchase price. International buyers please inquire as to shipping cost.
We try to describe our pieces very accurately and buyer understands that the item is being sold "As Is" so please ask questions before bidding. The pictures included are to be considered as a part of this auction's description and we are happy to provide additional pictures upon request.
We have additional bottles and other fine collectibles up for sale so please visit our other auctions. Thank you for shopping with us! 1529