Genuine WW1 1914 Princess Mary Christmas Tin

Here on offer is a genuine WW1 1914 Princess Mary Christmas Tin.

This tin is empty of its contents and is in great condition with some of the gilt detail still present.

It does have some minor dents in the base and an indentation on the inside of the lid.

On the top surface of the lid, most of the original gilt finish has been lost on the raised images, but some is still present in the recesses. There is also some age tarnish stains to the brass, that I think would polish out.

The inside still has nearly all of its original gilt finish remaining and is in great condition, with just some minor discolouration on the base.

The hinge still works as originally designed, and the tin closes snuggly.

Some history relating to the creation of these tins that you may find of interest:

In November 1914, an advertisement was placed in the national press inviting monetary contributions to a 'Sailors & Soldiers Christmas Fund', which had been created by Princess Mary, the seventeen-year-old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The purpose was to provide everyone wearing the King's uniform and serving overseas on Christmas Day 1914 with a 'gift from the Nation'.

The response was truly overwhelming, and it was decided to spend the money on an embossed brass box, based on a design by Messrs Adshead and Ramsey.

The contents varied considerably; officers and men on active service afloat or at the front received a box containing a combination of pipe, lighter, 1 oz of tobacco and twenty cigarettes in distinctive yellow monogrammed wrappers. Non-smokers and boys received a bullet pencil and a packet of sweets instead.

Indian troops often got sweets and spices, and nurses were treated to chocolate.

Many of these items were dispatched separately from the tins themselves, as once the standard issue of tobacco and cigarettes was placed in the tin there was little room for much else apart from the greeting card.

The 'tin' itself was approximately 5" long by 3¼" wide by 1¼" deep with a double-skinned, hinged, lid.

The surface of the lid depicts the head of Princess Mary in the centre, surrounded by a laurel wreath and flanked on either side by the 'M' monogram.

At the top, a decorative cartouche contains the words 'Imperium Britannicum' with a sword and scabbard either side.

On the lower edge, another cartouche contains the words 'Christmas 1914', which is flanked by the bows of battleships forging through a heavy sea.

In the corners, small roundels house the names of the Allies: Belgium, Japan, Montenegro and Servia; France and Russia are at the edges, each superimposed on three furled flags or standards.

This tin measures 5.1” (13cm) wide, 3.7” (8.5cm) high, 1.2” (3cm) deep and weighs 132g.

A great original example of a 1914 Queen Mary tin and a true collectable that are becoming hard to find in this condition.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51297