Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin, with contents (A.X. Lavertine), British (1914)

Title	Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin, with contents (A.X. Lavertine)
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 none of its original lacquer remaining except in the interior and on part of the base of the tin. It has the following original contents: the yellow monogrammed packets of tobacco and cigarettes, a Christmas card in an envelope, a photograph of the Princess. Unusually, the card and photograph are personalised to Fleet Surgeon A.X. Lavertine, HMS Monarch, Xmas 1914.

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, except for some minor dark spotting here and there on the lid.

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

[Militaria : Miscellaneous : British : 20th Century]

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