| Description |
A whisky bottle containing a model of a barque-rigged vessel of the 1850s or 1860s wearing a red ensign and a pennant with the name 'Richard'. Signal flags make her number (6389 in Marryat's code). There is a steam tug ahead of her and in the neck of the bottle a model building identified as 'TILBURY SIGNAL STATION' by a miniature notice. The signal station has a flagpole with a Union Flag. The models are wooden, with paper sails and rigging made of sewing thread. The tug has cotton wool smoke. There is a Turk’s head around the cork which is sealed with red wax.
The bottle is mounted on a wooden stand. A handwritten label underneath says 'In commemoration of the closure of the Coal Factors Society's signal station at Tilbury after more than 200 years continuous operation - 31st August'. In the neck 'Collier brig 'Richard' lost in the gale at Robin Hoods Bay, 3 October 1763. Model made by Leon & Patricia Labistour of Robin Hood's Bay.' |