Were these models made by sailors?

Many pieces originate from folk artists and coastal makers who spent their lives observing maritime traffic rather than serving at sea. Some detailed training models and scale replicas were produced by specialists in maritime workshops or naval establishments.

How are ships placed inside glass bottles?

Makers constructed the hulls and fitted them with hinged masts that lay flat along the deck during insertion. Once inside the bottle, strings attached to the rigging were pulled taut from the outside to raise the masts into position.

What is the difference between a clipper and a ketch?

A clipper is a very fast, multiple-masted sailing ship designed for speed, typically featuring full square rigging on all masts. A ketch is a smaller two-masted vessel where the smaller rear mast sits forward of the rudder post, offering easier handling.