Princess Mary Gift Tin 1914
This is a Princess Mary Gift Tin, presented to British and Commonwealth troops during World War I in 1914. The brass tin is decorated with embossed floral designs and features a hinged lid. Inside, the tin originally contained a selection of gifts, including cigarettes, tobacco, a pipe, sweets, and a New Testament. This particular example also includes a small military band, likely added as a personal touch by the recipient or a loved one.
Condition and Collectibility
The tin exhibits signs of age and wear consistent with its wartime history, including some dents, scratches, and patina. The military band is present, though its condition varies. This tin represents a poignant piece of social history, offering a glimpse into the lives of soldiers during the Great War. It would be of interest to collectors of military memorabilia, WWI artifacts, and social history items.
