Description: Original WWI British Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Tin Following the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force was sent to the Western Front and was soon joined by troops from the Empire, those from India arriving before the end of the year. In October 1914, George V's 17-year-old daughter, Mary, Princess Royal, launched an appeal to fund every member of the armed forces receiving a Christmas gift. Shortly before Christmas 1914, advertisements were placed in the British press seeking donations for the "Soldiers and Sailors Christmas fund" and £152,691 was soon raised. The funding was used to manufacture small boxes made of silver for officers and brass for all others. Each was decorated with an image of Mary and other military and imperial symbols and typically filled with an ounce of tobacco, a packet of cigarettes in a yellow monogrammed wrapper, a cigarette lighter, and a Christmas card and photograph from Princess Mary. Some contained sweets, chocolates, and lemon drops. The boxes were originally intended for "every sailor afloat and every soldier at the front" on Christmas day 1914, but eligibility was soon extended to everyone "wearing the King's uniform on Christmas day". Whilst around 400,000 were delivered by Christmas, distribution was not completed until 1920 by which time approximately 2.5 million had been delivered. The four companies claimed to have been engaged to produce the tins are: 1. Barclay & Fry Ltd, London, who also did the Queen Victoria chocolate tins for J.S. Fry & Sons Ltd back in 1899. 2. Barringer Wallis & Manners Ltd, Mansfield, who also did the Queen Victoria chocolate tins for Rowntree & Co. Ltd back in 1899. 3. Hudson Scott & Sons Ltd, Carlisle, who also did the Queen Victoria chocolate tins for Cadbury Ltd back in 1899. 4. O.T. Banks Ltd- Factory and HQ at 111 High Street, Clapham, London. Telephone No. Brixton 1918London Showroom - 49 Mortimer Street WW1 Products (after the Mary Tin) - Torches and signaling equipment, Morse key tappers, Electrical equipment and portable lamps.Pre WW1 Products - Electrical and mechanical engineers, Art Metal works and Stampings, Buttons and motor accessories.Staff - 18 Male and 21 Female - so a small company.
Price: 99 USD
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
End Time: 2024-11-24T18:43:08.000Z
Shipping Cost: 12 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Conflict: WW I (1914-18)
Original/Reproduction: Original
Region of Origin: United States
Theme: Militaria
