Ships, Folk Art, and Whimsey in Bottles

This is a model from the series "USS Preble" built by Jack Verducci in 1971. This is the fifth ship of the series, the 1959 USS Preble, a Guided Missile Destroyer. It sails on a sea of light blue with white wake from the ship. The entire hull and deck of the ship is painted in a dark gray. There is a number "15" on the bow of the ship. The ship has raised decks and different guns and cannons in different sizes. One the stern of the ship a guided missile is being launched with smoke engulfing the deck and launch area. There are the typical decks, antennas, towers, and other features found on a destroyer and this ship is very detailed and accurate. There are 2 gray lifeboats with white covers. There are 2 large smoke stacks with billowing smoke. There are 2 antenna towers with radar equipment mounted. An American flag flies from atop the largest tower. There is a helicopter landing area on the stern of the ship with white circles marking the landing spot. There are many other detailed features found in all areas of this model. Under the sea is a label with the following words: "USS Preble V 1959, Built for RV Cowles 1971 by Jack Verducci." It is sealed with a wooden stopper covered with red sealing wax. Other bottles in this series are bottle ID 320, 321, 322, and 323.