Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin, British (1914)

Title	Princess Mary Christmas Fund Gift Tin
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 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]

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