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Bottle - Hans Van Erkel Ship in a Bottle Diorama
Date Added: 04 January 2019

This is the one of three ships in bottles that were made by a member of the same family over three generations and displayed together! This ship 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. 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 seaman on the Great Lakes. As Seamen, there is a register in Lansing Michigan that has them all named as Merchant Marines.
Type: 3 Generation Ship in a Bottle Diorama   Maker's Name: Van Erkel, Hans
Category: Sailing Ships   Made Where: South Haven, Michigan
Bottle Size: 12" x 3"   Year Made: 1900
Bottle Type: Unknown  


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