Ships, Folk Art, and Whimsey in Bottles

This is a very old and well made scene of a ship anchored in a harbor. The proportions and details of the ship are wonderful. There are three masts and two banners. An American flag flies from the stern. The rigging is exceptional with both standing and running rigging with blocks. The town has seven buildings and a tall steeple. One of the buildings is identified as "Hotel Paul." The is a signal mast on shore with a red and yellow flag flying. The bottle is sealed with a cork and red sealing wax. The ship's hull and deck is generally covered in what looks to be a calcium deposit or something similar. The overall effect is intriguing and gives the ship a phantom or ghost-like appearance; almost as if intended. The bottle is a three piece mold type made from 1820 - 1880.