A gift tin (without contents) given by Princess Mary to British, Colonial and Indian soldiers for Christmas 1914
An attractive brass container (130 × 85 × 30 mm) with a hinged lid embossed with a profile portrait of Princess Mary in the centre, surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the letter 'M' in cursive script on either side. The decorative border contains military motifs (flags, ships and weapons), with the words 'Imperium Britannicum' and 'Christmas 1914' top and bottom; the corners and sides carry the names of Britain's allies - France, Belgium, Japan, Russia, Montenegro, and Servia. The flat surfaces and edges of the lid are painted black.
A few dents and other signs of use and age; in presentable condition.
In the tradition of Queen Victoria, who gave a tin of chocolate to her soldiers in South Africa for New Year, 1900, this gift tin was the initiative of Princess Mary, the seventeen-year-old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She was responsible for the public appeal that raised the funds to ensure that 'every Sailor afloat and every Soldier at the front' received a Christmas present. All British, Colonial, and Indian soldiers and sailors who were serving on Christmas Day 1914 were eligible to receive the tin, filled with various gifts such as tobacco, confectionery, spices, pencils, a notebook, postcards and a picture of the Princess. Over 456,000 tins were distributed. Due to the strong public support for the gift, eligibility was widened to include every person wearing the King's uniform on Christmas Day 1914 - over 2,500,000 servicemen and women. However the difficulties of manufacturing and distributing such a vast quantity meant that tins were still being received in 1920 (information from the Australian War Memorial website).
Item #126267
Sold