The Princess Mary Gift Fund tin was the result of a special "Christmas Fund" plan initiated by the daughter of King George V, HRH Princess Mary, whereby every soldier and sailor would receive a gift on the first Christmas of the war, in 1914. Each tin contained various items such as a pipe and tobacco products, pencil, notebook, postcards, a photograph of the Princess, spices, fruit lozenges, sugar candy, or chocolate. The contents varied according to the position, gender, and race of the intended recipient. Distribution was slow, and some did not receive their tins until 1920.
Subject Terms:
Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood, 1897–1965. | World War, 1914–1918. | Great Britain -- History, Military -- 20th century. | Tobacco tins -- Specimens.