This is a World War One Princess Mary Gift Box, made of brass, & originally containing gifts for the forces serving in France at Christmas 1914.

Princess Mary (later the Princess Royal) organised a fund to ensure that each man serving in France at Christmas 1914 received a small brass tin containing cigarettes, tobacco, & chocolate.

The lid of the tin is embossed with her silhouette in a garlanded circle, her initials at either side, & 'IMPERIUM BRITANNICUM' above & 'CHRISTMAS 1914' below.

The names of the allies : BELGIUM, JAPAN, RUSSIA, MONTE NEGRO, SERVIA, & FRANCE are embossed around the edges.

Condition is Good, with sharp embossed detail. There is some tarnishing, particularly to the interior, but this would clean up easily (if desired). The hinge & closure are fine.

The tin measures approx 5 1/8" x 3 3/8" (approx 13cm x 8.5cm).

Overall, a really nice, original example of this tin.