Mayflower in a Bottle

Description

The Mayflower was built about 1608 and 12 years later set off with 102 passengers on a journey to America. The grueling trip on the 180 ton vessel took 65 days, during which time two passengers perished. One boy, Oceanus Hopkins, was born at sea. Another, Peregrine White, was born while the ship was anchored off Cape Cod. A close replica of the Mayflower now resides in Plymouth harbor, Massachusetts. This gift is a glass version of the ship in a glass bottle. Available in various optional sizes and configurations, including framed, with a clock base, in a decanter or on agate. Give us a call for more information on special options. Standard dimensions: 208mm x 50mm (7” x 2”) Optional dimensions (adds $20.00): 210mm x 65mm (9 ½” x 2 ½”) About ships-in-a-bottle The oldest existing ships-in-a-bottle were made around 1760. These were intricate professional pieces apparently assembled in commercial workshops specializing in the construction of ship models to serve as gifts for kings, admirals, and other important people. Dating back to 1850, ships-in-a-bottle were constructed by sailors on board the tall ships. It was then that beverage bottles made from clear glass became available to the public. After a sailor had finished his favorite drink, possibly on a wide, calm sea, the empty bottle in front of him served as inspiration. Since the tools and materials available on board were limited, the first examples of maritime craft are of a rather crude and simple design. These old models, however, exude a special and unique charm in spite, or just because, of their simplicity.