In addition to our exquisite ships in bottles and ship models, we provide many other custom crafted items for you, our customer. Here you'll find a diverse range of products and services that will certainly meet your needs for that very special gift! For starters, our HAMMOCKS made of CORDURA® fabric are exceptionally durable as well as versatile!! We also offer stylish brass bells and an authentic US Navy BOSUN'S PIPE. So, whether you choose an incredibly detailed custom crafted miniature ship model for that unique and distinguished corporate gift or select a customized gift covered in ornamental rope work, you are sure to be pleased.
THE Ship In a Bottle web site and home business became a reality for me and my dream come true in early 2007 when I threw in the towel and left my good paying job in management to pursue my true passion. You guessed it . . . traditional nautical arts. I sincerely hope you enjoy visiting our web site and I look forward to sharing my experience and art with you and your family.
One of the few things I 'bought for myself...' and certainly one of my prized possessions.
Proud to be a Navy Chief. Although the photo was taken many years ago and in a land far away, I will always be a Chief at heart and in demeanor. God Bless America.
The day my anchors were pinned on my collar was the pinnacle of my career and proudest achievement. Although long since retired, my days in the "Goat Locker" will NEVER be forgotten. I've lost a few shipmates along the way but stay in touch with those who remain. The bond of the Chief Petty Officer is like no other. May God continue to bless my Brothers and Sisters.
Jim retired from active duty in the United States Navy in early '92 after more than 22 years of enlisted service as a Senior Chief Radioman. His experience ranged from Morse code operations while stationed in Lisbon, Portugal to running "communication shacks" on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and the USS Manitowoc (LST-1180). His naval career allowed him to see much of the world and enjoy tours of duty in Charleston, SC (USS Orion AS-18/COMSUBRON FOUR Staff), San Diego, CA, and in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach, VA.
Jim's passion for traditional nautical art goes back to his childhood days where as a young man he constructed a large and beautifully detailed model of the clipper ship Cutty Sark. He is extremely pleased to say that the model is still proudly displayed in a position of prominence on a mantle in Decatur, GA some 40+ years later. Somewhere in Virginia, a dentist is showing off a beautiful wooden model of the whaler Charles W. Morgan, Jim's first wooden ship model built for commission.
An impressive modeler, Jim once devoted numerous hours as a docent at the Newport News Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA. There he maintained a ship model workshop, giving public demonstrations on ship modeling techniques. Jim will proudly tell you that his interaction with the many visitors while there was one of the highlights of his ship modeling career
If not actually tinkering with the construction of ships in bottles, scale ship models, nautical art and carvings, you can bet Jim is deep in thought planning his next project. The jack of all trades, he has a penchant for creating very detailed nautical objects such as scrimshaw and ships in miniature. Covering objects with ornamental rope work, an art still practiced today by the bosun's mate in navies of the world, became a means for passing idle time for Jim as it had been for many a sailor over the centuries. Creating designs for whimsical pub signs easily became another passion and quite possibly the one area he enjoys the most
Jim's proudest accomplishment was a 39" model of the American privateer Rattlesnake (14) which he gave to his oldest daughter Kimberly. Countless hours went into the construction of this 'scratch built' wooden ship model. All in all, a 3 year project. Jim painstakingly turned each of her brass guns on his miniature lathe. Each piece of rigging was custom built on his home made ropewalk. Her hull, masts, spars, and deck furnishings were constructed from miniature lumber sawn from logs of ebony, holly, rosewood, apple, dogwood, cherry, and walnut to name just a few. Each of the more than 300 blocks (pulleys for those not familiar with nautical terminology) was hand crafted. Jim's youngest daughter Michelle is still waiting on the completion of her model of the HMS Alfred (74) still under construction after several years
If Jim can be of any service to you, please contact him directly!
When you shop with us, you can shop with confidence. We sell ONLY authentic US Navy and military products, accurately described and with the exception of antique merchandise, new products.
Our Boatswain's pipes (calls) are the authentic US navy pipes sold in navy uniform shops and used by our navy. There are so many junk pipes on the internet, particularly the copper and brass pipes which are pretty but very poor performers so, beware. You can be sure ours are top quality. Our lanyards are all custom tied and tailored to fit your personal requirements.
If you find a better price on our Vanguard swords, cutlasses, accessories and insignia we will beat that price, guaranteed. Our prices for new and authentic merchandise are set below those of the base exchanges.
We personally tie all of our bell ropes, custom made to your satisfaction or your money back. No questions asked. We lead the pack in styles, colors, and craftsmanship. Distinguish your bell from others by adding one of our custom ropes.
When you buy from THE Ship in a Bottle, a veteran owned business, you will receive the service and dedication of a Chief Petty Officer - Honor, Courage, Commitment. I give my personal pledge that I will offer the best merchandise, pricing, and support available. Thank you and may GOD Bless You! Jim Mccurdy, RMCS, USN, Retired.
We ship to all US states and territories, FPO/APO addresses, and many other countries worldwide. If you do not see your countriy listed, contact us and we will do our best to get your merchandise to you.
Unless you specify otherwise, we use US Postal Service First Class or Priority Mail to deliver your merchandise. If you require an overnight delivery or express delivery, please give us a call and we can ship in accordance with your needs
Our pledge is to keep shipping costs down for you. Our shipping rates include the actual cost of postage plus the necessary packaging materials to deliver your merchandise. We actively pursue the absolute best shipping rates available among the leading carriers and will gladly combine shipments, when practical, in order to further reduce your shipping costs. It is neither our intention nor policy to make money off of shipping and handling. The carriers do that well enough.
Occasionally an item may be out of stock/backordered. If that is the case, we will notify you via email within 24 hours of your purchase and ship your merchandise within 2 business days of receipt. It is our policy to notify you within 24 hours of your purchase with the expected delivery date for your order. Custom orders such as bell ropes, lanyards, display cases, engraving, hammocks, and other specially made items that are not in stock normally take 3-5 business days to complete. Engraving usually requires 7-10 business days. In some instances (ship models), months may be required to complete your project. In these cases we will work with you on a delivery date during the quote process.
To calculate approximate postage and shipping fees, please click on the following links and use our zip code 27808 in the Ship From block:
http://postcalc.usps.gov/
http://wwwapps.ups.com/calTimeCost?loc=en_US
http://www.fedex.com/ratefinder/home?cc=US&language=en
If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact Us and we will gladly address your concerns or questions.
We cannot make refunds for Cutlasses and Swords that have been engraved. Any stock item that you are not completely satisfied with may be returned within 30 days from the date of purchase for a full refund of the purchase price, and any taxes paid. The customer is responsible for the return shipping fees. A 10% restocking fee will be charged on Cutlasses, Swords, and stocked items. Please note that our return policy excludes full refunds on custom orders and items with personal engraving. Lanyards, bell ropes, rope work, custom length hammocks and models are considered custom merchandise and non-refundable.
If you are dissatisfied with your custom purchase, please contact us directly to give us the opportunity to resolve the problem. Prices paid for custom purchases are non-refundable. Our reasoning, is that it can take months to build a model for example. Generally, the model of your choice may not be of specific interest on the market and resale can be extremely difficult. A partial refund may be considered on a case by case basis. Refunds cannot be given for Swords and Cutlasses with personal engraving. Thank you for understanding.
Cancellation Policy - With the exception of engraved swords, cutlasses, boatswain's pipes and brass plates, you may cancel you order within 24 hours from the time and date of your purchase. For engraved swords cutlasses, and boatswain's pipes - all sales are final.