The most common type of model to be found in a ship in a bottle is the Merchant sailing ship. These vessels were also referred to as Square riggers, Windjammers or Tall ships because of their square shaped sails, vast amounts of sail area or the extreme height of their masts.

This type of ship model was popular because the deep water sailors who worked aboard this type of ship often had long periods of time off-watch. The voyages were often long and slow, so in order to pass the time and prevent boredom the sailors became craftsmen.

One of the most popular pastimes was to make a model of the ship they were working aboard.

These sailors perfected the art of making tiny model sailing ships from scraps of wood and inserting them into glass bottles. Not only was there a lot of skill needed to construct the model, but they also needed to know the special technique of how to get it through the neck of the bottle. The sailors also needed a working knowledge of the ships rigging in order to create an accurate and realistic model. Ships in bottles were usually made as a gift for loved ones back home or made to sell whilst in port to increase income.