Here is your chance to own a small, genuine WW1 artefact. In October 1914 Princess Mary launched an appeal to provide a Christmas gift for "every sailor afloat and every soldier at the front". The appeal proved such a success the eligibility was soon extended to everyone "wearing the King's uniform on Christmas Day". Initially 400,000 were delivered by that Christmas but distribution was not completed until 1920 by which time 2.5 million had been delivered. Each box contained a Christmas Card and a photograph of the Princess along with a number of items from a selection including tobacco, cigarettes, lighter, chocolate, sweets, bullet shaped pencil, writing paper or even spices just to name a few. Made from brass the hinged lid was embossed with the head of Princess Mary surrounded by a laurel wreath and a monogram "M" on each side. At the top is a decorative cartouche with the words "Imperium Britannicum" flanked with a sword and scabbard. At the bottom are the words "Christmas 1914" flanked by the bows of Dreadnoughts fighting through heavy seas. In the corners, small roundels highlight the names of the Allies: Belgium, Japan, Montenegro, Servia, France and Russia.

This particular box has an authentic patina it has never been polished. The hinge still works and the lid has a tendency to pop open. For an object made over a century ago this item has literally been through the wars. There are several small dents, along with a repaired straight puncture mark (Could it have been caused by the point of an enemy bayonet? - sadly we shall never know). Unfortunately none of the original contents are present, there are no maker's marks or anything to identify the original owner. This may not be a rare item but it does evoke a sombre wonderment - did the recipient survive the war or not. A great piece for a collector of WW1 militaria, or as part of a WW1 display or even as a tactile educational piece in school.

Date: 1914
Maker: Unknown
Made in England

Dimensions: 13cm x 8.5cm x 2.5cm