Ships, Folk Art, and Whimsey in Bottles

This is a large model of a Dutch Barge. The model is displayed whole hull and was assembled 2 sections. The bottom is red and the top is black. The barge has one large mast and 4 sails. There is very detailed rigging with the sails stitched to the rigging.. The mast shows hoop rings. The deck has 2 cabins and hatches drawn on the deck. There is a windlass behind the bowsprit and the rudder and tiller are displayed in good detail. There is a flag of the Netherlands flying from a small pole in the stern of the barge. The hull has a large steering paddle on each side. The bottle is sealed with a cork and tied rope work around the neck. The maker, Andreas Fischer was a binnenfischer by trade and was a frequent guest of a restaurant owned by the seller of this auction. He made numerous ships in bottles and static ship models that were displayed around the restaurant and many were sold to guests and patrons of the restaurant.