Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin with contents, British (1914)

Title	Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin with contents
Nationality	British
Period	1914

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In November 1914, an advertisement was placed in the national press inviting monetary contributions to a 'Sailors and Soldiers Christmas Fund' which had been created by Princess Mary, the 17-year-old daughter of George V and Queen Mary. This was to provide all military personnel serving overseas on Christmas Day 1914 with a 'gift from the nation'.

The response was overwhelming and, by 1920, two and a half million boxes had been made. This one is an early example, of brass, with all its original lacquer intact. It has all its original contents (the yellow monogrammed packet of tobacco and cigarettes, the bullet pencil, a Christmas card in an envelope), except the photograph of the Princess.

On the lid, there is the central bust of the Princess with the names of the allied countries embossed around.

The cigarette packet has been opened, but not used; the tobacco packet remains sealed; both paper wrappers are in good order. The condition throughout is excellent for its age.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Miscellaneous : British : 20th Century]

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