Ships, Folk Art, and Whimsey in Bottles

This is a three-masted Barque sailing on a greenish sea. The lower section of the ship's has is red with white across the areas of the gun ports and black at the bulwarks. There are eighteen gun ports and 16 sails with reef lines flying. The deck has many details including two large cabins, grates, port and starboard lights, life boat, and more. The masts are built in sections as on a real Barque. There is a small banner atop each mast. The rigging is very detailed with blocks and tackle. Flying from the stern rigging is the Union Jack (flag of United Kingdom) with 4 signal flags below it. The bow sprit has a dolphin striker. In the neck of the bottle is a nicely made small tug boat with one smoke stack. Under the sea, inside the bottle, is a label with the following: "A model of a typical mid-nineteenth century trading barque, such as used in the merchant service for the carrying of wood and grain from Australia. The signal flags fly the message 'We wish you a pleasant voyage,' from Captain Marryalt's code-book of the period." This bottle was made by renowned Leon and Patricia Labistour of (then) Robin Hood's Bay, near Whitby, England. They are the co-authors of the book "Making Ships in Bottles A Beginner's Guide". Their work is also displayed at Royal Museums Greenwich.