Amazing 3 Generations and 3 Ships in a Bottle Diorama Display! Folk Art Whimsy

Description: This is a rare display of three ships in bottle all made by members of the same family over three generations and displayed together! One of three ships in a bottle, the oldest, is displayed on the top of the stand and was made by the grandfather, Hans Van Erkel, around 1900. It is the most crude and was clearly made from simple material and rudimentary tools. It is sealed with a wooden stopper and trick crosspiece. The second ship in a bottle, the second oldest, is displayed in the middle of the stand and was made by family member Arthur Van Erkel, around 1920. It is a three-masted ship with a blue hull. In the background is a nice diorama of a sea port. It is sealed with a cork stopper. The third ship in a bottle is the newest and is displayed in the lower part of the stand. It was made by family member Gerald Van Erkel in 1937. It is a three-masted ship with a white hull. In the background is a great diorama with several buildings and a large lighthouse. It is sealed with a cork stopper. This remarkable collection of bottles is displayed on one custom made stand which was made by Gerald Van Erkel and has a carved 1937 date on the top. The collection was originally purchased from Nancy, the youngest daughter of John Van Erkel. The Van Erkel family lived in the South Haven, Michigan from about 1870's with no surviving descendants. The three ships were made by family members John Van Erkel, Arthur Van Erkel and Gerald Van Erkel. As related from a previous owner, they were seamen on the Great Lakes. As Seamen, there is a register in Lansing Michigan that has them all named as Merchant Marines. 1050 What a rare and beautiful display! Shipping and Other Important InformationWhile 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! 1050

Price: 495 USD

Location: Owensboro, Kentucky

End Time: 2024-08-14T19:55:39.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9.85 USD