British, WW1, Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Gift Fund Tin

*British, WW1, Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Gift Fund Tin*

An original First World War Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund brass presentation tin issued during Christmas 1914 to British and Imperial servicemen serving during the opening months of the Great War. This iconic wartime morale gift remains one of the most recognisable and historically important personal issue items associated with the British soldier of the First World War.

The lid retains the classic embossed design featuring the profile portrait of HRH Princess Mary within a laurel wreath, flanked by stylised “M” monograms. Around the border are the names of the Allied nations “France,” “Russia,” “Belgium,” “Japan,” “Montenegro,” and “Servia,” together with the central banner reading “Imperium Britannicum” above the date “Christmas 1914.” The original gilt-brass finish survives well overall, with attractive period toning and honest service wear giving the tin a strong untouched appearance.

Approx. Measurements – 13 cm x 8.7 cm x 2.6 cm.

Historical Note:
Originally, the tins contained a selection of comforts depending on branch of service, commonly including tobacco, cigarettes, sweets, a pipe, lighter, writing materials, or greetings card. The Princess Mary Gift Fund was established in October 1914 by Princess Mary, daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, with the intention that every sailor and soldier serving overseas would receive a Christmas gift from the nation. Due to the enormous scale of the war effort, millions were eventually produced and distributed across the British Empire and Allied forces.

"I want you now to help me to send a Christmas present from the whole of the nation to every sailor afloat and every soldier at the front. I am sure that we should all be happier to feel that we had helped to send our little token of love and sympathy on Christmas morning, something that would be useful and of permanent value, and the making of which may be the means of providing employment in trades adversely affected by the war. Could there be anything more likely to hearten them in their struggle than a present received straight from home on Christmas Day? Please will you help me?"

This example displays well with clear embossing throughout the lid design and retains a pleasing aged brass patina. The interior remains empty. A classic and highly collectible Great War personal issue item closely associated with the British Tommy and the first Christmas of World War One.

*Condition*
Good original condition overall for age and wartime use. The brass body retains its original embossed detail well, with age-related surface wear, scattered marks, scratches, darkened spots, and areas of oxidisation/patina throughout commensurate with over a century of age. The hinge remains intact and the lid closes correctly. Interior shows expected age wear and use marks. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.