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Bottle - Gerald 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 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 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, Gerald
Category: Sailing Ships   Made Where: South Haven, Michigan
Bottle Size: 11" x 3 1/2"   Year Made: 1937
Bottle Type: Unknown  


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