*British, WW1, Rowntree & Co Ltd George V ‘Gift to the Troops’ Chocolate Tin, Dated 1915 – Sliding Drawer, Patriotic Collectible*
A charming World War I-era commemorative tin produced by Rowntree & Co Ltd of York, known for their chocolate and cocoa products. The lid features a lithographed portrait of King George V in full military dress, framed by an oval garland, and surrounded by vibrant regimental and national flags, including the Union Jack. The front is dated “1915,” suggesting it was part of a wartime morale or patriotic gift package.
The interior is gilded and marked:
“Rowntree & Co Ltd, York. Cocoa & Chocolate Makers to Their Majesties The King & Queen”, flanked by two royal coat of arms and the note “By Appointment.”
The sides of the tin are beautifully decorated with gilt floral and fruit motifs, adding to its ornate presentation. These tins were often gifted to troops or sold as patriotic souvenirs on the home front, representing the support of major British firms for the war effort and the monarchy.
Measurements:
Approx. 15.4cm x 7.8cm x 3.2cm.
Additional Information:
Rowntree & Co, established in York in 1862, was one of Britain’s leading confectionery companies and among the first to produce cocoa and chocolate “By Royal Appointment.” They were known for quality, social welfare initiatives, and royal connections.
Produced around 1915, this Rowntree & Co Ltd chocolate tin was a patriotic commercial item designed for the home front during the First World War. Unlike the official Princess Mary gift tin — which was government-supported and sent directly to troops — these tins were privately sold as morale-boosting gifts or souvenirs. This tin reflects Rowntree’s wartime marketing and strong patriotic appeal.
*Condition*
The tin displays age-related wear consistent with over a century of handling, including surface scratches, paint loss to the lid design, and wear to edges and corners. The interior retains a good portion of its original gilding but shows some oxidation and marks from previous contents. The sliding compartment mechanism is intact and functional, though there is minor distortion to edges from use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQAC_2637130525
