Ships, Folk Art, and Whimsey in Bottles

This is a wonderful scene of a 4 mast schooner, the "Herbert L. Rawding, anchored in a harbor. The ship has four masts and is displayed without sails. There is both detailed standing and running rigging with shrouds and ratlines. There is a dolphin striker from the bowsprit. There schooner has a bow and stern cabin, painted white with black portholes and a green roof. There are 3 large hatches and other deck features found on the actual ship including white railing. The harbor has 4 houses, one wired with an LED light that comes on, two warehouses, and a large church with a steeple. There is also a lighthouse wired with lighting that allows the light to blink on and off as a real lighthouse would do. All of the wiring is hidden in the clay and other materials so that it does not show. The sea is made from a combination of clay and wood sections. The hills have several trees and bushes. There is a large pier with a shipyard showing a ship's under construction with the keel and ribs of the hull positioned. The bottle is sealed with a cork and sealing wax. There is a Turks Head knot around the neck. The bottle rests on two wonderfully carved black whales the cradle the bottle. There is a oak stand with a plaque that reads: "Herbert L. Rawdling 1919 - 1947." Additionally, there is a sea chest nearby that holds the battery for the electricity going to the bottle. The lights are controlled by flipping a switch on the side of the chest.