Genuine WW1 1914 Princess Mary Christmas Tin

Here on offer is a genuine WW1 1914 Princess Mary Christmas tin that is now empty of its original contents.

This tin is in good condition retaining the fine detail to the lid and it now has a polished brass finish. The lid hinge still works as originally designed and there are light dents on the base of the tin. There are also small splits to all four corners of the base (see my photos), where the lid fits tightly into place.

The surface of the lid depicts the head of Princess Mary in the centre, surrounded by a laurel wreath and flanked on either side by the 'M' monogram.

At the top, a decorative cartouche contains the words 'Imperium Britannicum' with a sword and scabbard either side.

On the lower edge, another cartouche contains the words 'Christmas 1914', which is flanked by the bows of battleships forging through a heavy sea.

In the corners, small roundels house the names of the Allies: Belgium, Japan, Montenegro and Servia; France and Russia are at the edges, each superimposed on three furled flags or standards.

Although not obvious at the time due to the gilding on the outside, there were two grades of brass used in the production of these tins, the higher quality brass being generally reserved for tins given to officers, which I believe this example was for.

Originally, the standard tins contained a packet of cigarettes and a packet of pipe tobacco, together with a Christmas 1914 card and a photo of Princess Mary in an envelope, but there were several variations in contents including a bar of chocolate, sweets, or packets of spices (for Indian troops); and a pad of paper and a silver tipped “bullet” pencil for officers, and sometimes another card with a Christmas message and photos of King & Queen.

The tin measures 13cm wide, 8.5cm high and 3cm deep and weighs 133g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thank you for taking the time to look.

Code: 51758