WW1 British BEF Princess Mary Tin EMPTY

The WW1 British BEF Princess Mary Tin is a commemorative brass box originally issued as part of the Princess Mary Christmas Gift Fund during the First World War. Established in 1914, the initiative aimed to provide comfort to members of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) serving overseas. This rectangular tin measures approximately 13 cm by 8.5 cm and features an embossed profile of Princess Mary at the center, surrounded by decorative motifs, including laurel wreaths, military insignia, and the inscription “Christmas 1914.” The tins were distributed empty or filled with items such as tobacco, cigarettes, chocolate, or writing sets, depending on the recipient’s age and preferences. This listing is for an empty tin, offering an example of wartime morale-boosting efforts and early 20th-century military material culture. As an original period artifact, it reflects both the personal and historical aspects of British service in World War I.