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Before you call...

There are many things to consider before placing an order for a Custom Ship in a Bottle. Factors such as your budget, timeline for delivery, and the amount of detail you want included in your model can significantly impact your project estimate.

Be prepared to discuss your budget for the project, the date you would like your project delivered, and the amount of detail you would like for your model to have. It also helps to narrow your choices down to a particular type or style of vessel.

Once you have determined your budget, do some internet searching for ship or boat silhouettes. Many appear as 'cartoonish' but you will quickly see a wide variety of styles and classes of ships or boats. Keep in mind that the more masts and sails on the vessel, the higher the price will climb.

Like a kid in a candy store, it is easy to visualize a mighty three masted warship such as our own USS Constitution, guns blazing. Again, please be prepared with your budget.

Price range for this type of model is from $750 to ... $750 will purchase a ship in bottle with sails furled and basic rigging. Major deck fittings such as deck cabins and hatches will be present. Gun forms if applicable. Your base will be stained oak or poplar with a stain color of your choice. A small brass plate will be attached and your model will be presented with a certificate of authenticity and a journal chronicling the construction of your model with photos included.

I can provide a cradle type base or a board with 'nesting' decorations to give your model support. There are a wide range of options for your base. Cradle style bases can be constructed with only stained wood or adorned with rope work or nautical objects. So may the board bases. It will be easier to discuss your project base in a phone conversation so give me a call today. I can help you.

Furled sails (rolled up on the yards) can be chosen or unfurled (billowing) sails to give your model more of an 'underway' appearance. In addition, a combination of these two styles can be chosen for a striking contrast. When preparing a quote, each sail will be factored in so a single sail on a small sailboat and 20 sails on a fully rigged ship would change a quote significantly.

This is a tough one. The delivery time for your model depends primarily on two factors. My present workload and the amount of detail included in your project. For example, a sailboat in a small bottle priced at $250 would probably be scheduled for delivery in about 10 business days. Other models may take several months to complete. The more detail included in your heirloom model, the longer it will take. Another factor is research. Often, days or weeks are spent researching a particular vessel. This time is factored in to the cost of your model.

This is your option. Bottles for a project are selected with a variety of considerations in mind. For example, the clarity of the bottle, the length of the bottle neck, the cost of the bottle if purchased from an ABC store just to name a few. If you choose a certain bottle, you have the option of sending me the empty bottle after draining the contents or I can do that for you!!

Sorry but refunds cannot be given for a ship in a bottle so choose your heirloom carefully. The reason refunds cannot be given is that generally speaking, the vessel you choose is not likely to be of interest to another individual and these models are very difficult to resell at the original price.

If within a 200 mile radius of my shop (zip code 27808), your model will be hand delivered. Otherwise, it will be packaged with extreme care and the shipment insured for the purchase price of the model. Signature will be required on delivery.

Not a problem. Give your project careful consideration prior to calling me but please know that 99% of the calls I receive will require a fair amount of time to discuss the numerous options which range from color schemes, sail plans, exotic woods included, rigging plan, the list continues. That is why I begin our conversation with your budget and delivery timeline.

Generally, i will require a 25% non-refundable deposit toward the balance. The remaining balance is split up between 2-3 additional payments due on a schedule which based on the delivery date for your heirloom model. If you choose to cancel your project, your deposit will not be refunded but any payment afterwards can be refunded on cancellation. Your finished model cannot be shipped until the final payment has been received.

My answer may oversimplify the process but basically, the mast(s) are hinged on the bottom. The model 'folds up' and is inserted in the neck of the bottle. Then, rigging strings are pulled and the model pops up in the bottle. Afterwards, sails and rigging are adjusted, glue is applied in strategic places, and the bottle is sealed.

• What is my first step?

• I'm not sure what I want. Where do I start?

• I have decided on a ship with sails. What will this cost?

• What types of bases are available?

• Should I choose sails furled or unfurled?

• How long does it take to complete my model?

• What type of bottle will I use for your model?

• What is your return policy for ships in bottles?

• How will I receive my model once completed?

• What if I need help in determining the 'finished product' ?

• How do I go about paying for my model?

• And finally, How do you make a ship in a bottle?