*British, WW1-1914, Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund Brass Tobacco Tin*
A highly collectable First World War Princess Mary Christmas gift tin, issued in 1914 to British and Imperial troops.
This embossed brass tin was part of a charitable initiative spearheaded by Princess Mary, the daughter of King George V, to provide a Christmas gift to all serving soldiers and sailors during the first Christmas of the Great War. The tin's lid features a left-facing profile of Princess Mary encircled by a laurel wreath, flanked by ornate "M" monograms. Above, a scroll reads "Imperium Britannicum", and around the edges appear the names of Britain's allies at the time: Belgium, Japan, Montenegro, Russia, France, and Serbia. At the bottom, it is inscribed "Christmas 1914".
Originally, these tins were filled with items such as tobacco, cigarettes, a lighter, sweets, or writing materials, depending on the recipient’s preferences and service branch.
The tins were primarily produced in brass, though alternative alloys and white metal variations were also used due to wartime shortages and production demands. This example is made of brass and retains its original finish and patina.
Dimensions: Approx. 13 cm x 8.7 cm x 2.6 cm.
*Condition* Good overall condition commensurate with age. The brass retains an attractive patina with light surface marks, small spots of wear, and some scuffs visible on the back and edges. The hinge is intact and the lid opens and closes smoothly. The interior is clean and free of major dents. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
