CHRISTMAS 1914

Details

Princess Mary's World War I troops presentation brass tobacco box
Christmas 1914
The lid with Princess Mary's portrait and initial 'M' and inscribed 'IMPERIUM BRITANICUM', with the Allied Countries named in the borders
5¾ in. (13 cm.) wide; Together with a burr-walnut snuff box, 19th Century - 3¼ in. (8.5 cm.) wide (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Brass tobacco boxes were given as Christmas presents by The Princess Mary, later Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (1897-1965), the third child and only daughter of George V and Queen Mary, to her father's gallant soldiers stationed overseas in 1914. The Princess, who was just seventeen when war broke out, was moved by the plight of the troops and by the thought of them spending Christmas away from their families.
When complete, the contents comprised one packet containing twenty cigarettes, one foil wrapped pack of pipe tobacco, a photograph of Princess Mary, and a card inscribed 'With Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Victorious New Year. From The Princess Mary and Friends at Home'.

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