*British, 1914, Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund Brass Tin with Cards (Including Scarce Royal Message Card) and Packet Remains*
A rare and highly complete example of the 1914 Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund brass box, presented to British and Imperial forces during the first Christmas of the Great War. The brass tin measures approximately 13 cm x 8.7 cm x 2.6 cm and is embossed on the lid with the bust of HRH Princess Mary within a laurel wreath, flanked by the letter "M" to either side. It bears the inscriptions "Imperium Britannicum," "Christmas 1914," and the names of allied nations: "France," "Russia," "Belgium," "Japan," "Servia," and "Montenegro."
This set includes two original yellow paper packet remains: one complete empty cigarette packet and one front portion only of the tobacco packet, both marked "Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund 1914" with the crowned monogram on the reverse. While incomplete, their survival is rare and greatly enhances the set's authenticity and appeal.
The set also features an original small portrait card of Princess Mary bearing a printed facsimile signature, a printed folding card with red monogram and festive greeting ("With Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Victorious New Year from The Princess Mary and Friends at Home"), and its original envelope.
Importantly, it includes the scarcer royal message card showing photographic portraits of King George V and Queen Mary (by W. & D. Downey), with the printed handwritten-style message on reverse: "With our best wishes for Christmas 1914. May God protect you and bring you home safe. Mary R. George R.I." This card, intended to offer a personal touch to the gift, is less commonly found and highly sought after by collectors.
Historical background
The Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund was established in 1914 through a nationwide public appeal spearheaded by Princess Mary, the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The fund aimed to provide "every sailor afloat and every soldier at the front" with a Christmas gift to lift morale and show national gratitude.
Ultimately, over 2.6 million boxes were distributed, including to prisoners of war and next of kin of those killed, containing cigarettes, tobacco, sweets, or writing materials depending on the recipient's preference and background. The initiative captured public affection and became an enduring symbol of wartime care and solidarity.
*Condition*
The tin retains strong embossed detail and displays an attractive original patina. It shows typical age-related surface wear, scratches, and small dings. The wave-like marks visible on the sides are inherent to the brass or polishing, and not structural, except on the hinge side where the metal has a small tear that can be felt. The base and edges show honest wear but remain structurally sound with hinges intact.
The paper packets are fragile: one is an empty cigarette packet, the other only the front portion of a tobacco packet. The Princess Mary photograph and Christmas greeting cards are generally well-preserved with some minor age-related spotting and creases. The scarce royal message card is complete, with portraits crisp and the reverse message clear.
JAQAHC_2646130525
