online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]
magnify icon Search militaria Medals - Arms - Militaria
Home icon Antique Militaria Home for the SEs and the curious Site map People shaking hands icon Historic comments
Title Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin with contents
Nationality British
Period 1914
Sold

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]

testimonials

Wanted to let you know the items arrived today. Great job on the packing. Too often I buy very expensive and irreplaceable items from the UK and they get sent barely packed to protect them from the various postal services - appreciate you going the extra mile to insure it arrived in the shape it left. Thanks again, look forward to doing business with you in the future. Items were very nice, exactly as offered.

M M, USA, 18.03.2010

I received the book yesterday and I must say I am delighted with it, a cracking piece of work ... A very big thank you for perservering and getting the book to me, a big thumbs up for you and your business.

C B, UK, 05.01.2006

more...