World War 1 Princess Mary 1914 Christmas gift / Tobacco box or tin for Sale

World War 1 Princess Mary 1914 Christmas gift / Tobacco box or tin For Sale

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World War 1 Princess Mary 1914 Christmas gift / Tobacco box or tin:
$57.78

You are offerding on a brass presentation box which was presented to British officers and men who fought in WW1.There were small gifts & greeting cards & a picture of HRH, King George V etc which were placed in these boxes, for the troops. This one is empty of contents. It appears that a distinction was made between SMOKERS & NON-SMOKERS. Non smokers and boys received a "bullet" pencil and a packet of candy and a greeting card etc.
SMOKERS' BOXES included an ounce of Tobacco & some cigarettes, among other small items.
Background information: The idea of a gift for the troops was the brainchild of the KIng & Queen's daughter, Princess Mary, who was 17 yrs old at the time. Monetary donations were solicited from the population at large. The purpose was to supply every soldier with a "gift from the nation."The top of the tin depicts the bust of "Princess Mary" to the center of the box, and surrounded by a laurel wreath and flanked on either side by the "M" monogram. At the top of the lid are the words, "Imperium Britannicum" flanked by a sword and scabbard. At the bottom of the lid is "Christmas 1914" with a battleship profile on either side. In the corners are the countries names which were allies in this great conflict....Begium, Japan, Montenegro & Servia, France & Russia...the last two superimposed on three flags.
The wounded, nurses and widows or parents of those killed were also entitled to this gift. Prisoners of war had theirs reserved for them until they were repatriated.Interesting fact: Because of overwhelming demand for the boxes, and the dire need of brass for the War effort, orders for brass strips were placed with the USA, which at that time, were not yet involved in the war, and a large consignment was lost with the tragic & highly controversial sinking of the now famous ship, "Lusitania"!
The box measures 5" long by 3 1/4" wide and stands 1 1/4" high.
For condition report please see "Itemspecifics/Seller notes" above and check out all the pics as they form animportant part of the overall description.ALL CALIFORNIA BUYERS (ONLY CALIFORNIANS!)ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE CALIFORNIAN STATE TAX. SORRY, IT IS THE LAW!Overseas buyers arewelcome. Payment, whether domestic orInternational, is expectedwithin 3 days,and if there is any hitch, please communicateand we can work something out....otherwise seller reserves the right to relistthe item in theevent of non-payment within the stipulated period. Thanksfor viewing my sale and I wish you success in the offerding. Lord bless