Gift tin from World War 1

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

36571

Title

Gift tin from World War 1

Description

Gift tin from World War 1. Issued on behalf of Princess Mary to all soldiers and sailors of the Empire. Hinged brass-coloured lid embossed with a profile of Princess Mary and the names of the Allied countries.

Date

1915

Type

Tin

Location

Museum of Edinburgh

Accession number

SH.2012.162.1

This gift tin contains a pencil in a bullet-shaped holder, a New Year greetings card for 1915 and a photographic portrait of Princess Mary.

Princess Mary (daughter of King George V and Queen Mary) launched a Christmas Gift Fund in October 1914 to send a gift to every soldier and sailor. The first tins sent contained tobacco, a lighter and pipe for smokers and alternative gifts for non-smokers. The contents of this tin tell us that it was issued in 1915 after gifts were simplified to speed up production.

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Related subjects

Events > Wars > World wars

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

People > Famous people > King George V

People > Famous people > Royal Family

People > Military activities > Sailors

People > Military activities > Soldiers

Places > United Kingdom