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Title Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin
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 faint traces of its original lacquer. It contains none of the original contents, except for one empty yellow monogrammed cigarette packet.

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

The condition of the tin is excellent for its age, with a few dents to the base and a small dent to the Princess's coiffure!

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 silver Verdienstkreuz this morning. Your swiftness and dedication was very much appreciated and, though the envelope arrived with a Post Office sticker saying it had been found open or damaged, the cross was unharmed and looks beautiful. Thanks for your time.

E C, UK, 18.10.2005

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