03/19/2026
Princess Mary’s Gift Box 1914
The box has a double-skinned, hinged lid. The surface of the lid depicts the head of Princess Mary in the centre, surrounded by a laurel wreath and flanked on either side by the "M" monogram. At the top, a decorative cartouche contains the words "Imperium Britannicum" with a sword, bayonet and scabbard (for the Army) either side. On the lower edge, another cartouche contains the words "Christmas 1914" flanked by the bows of two Dreadnoughts (for the Royal Navy) forging through a heavy sea. In the corners, small roundels house the names of the Allies: Belgium, Japan, Montenegro and Serbia: France and Russia are at the edges superimposed on their furled flags or standards.
The standard gift consisted of the box itself, twenty ci******es in a yellow monogramed wrapper, an ounce of pipe to***co also in yellow monogramed wrapper, a Christmas card, a photo of the Princess and was meant to include a tinder lighter. A shortage of lighters meant that other gifts were substituted. A bullet pencil was a common replacement.
A non-smokers gift was also produced and included the box, Christmas card and photograph of Princess Mary and contained a packet of "acid tablets" (a sour lemon flavoured sweet) and a khaki writing case with pencil, paper and envelopes.
Three gift types were produced for Indian troops. Most Indian troops received the box itself, ci******es, a tin box of spices, a packet of sugar candy and a Christmas or New Year card. Sikhs got the same without the ci******es and a third gift for “followers” consisting of a tin box of spices and a Christmas or New Year card. Followers were non-combatant personnel serving on the Western Front with the British Army of India performing administrative or other service functions.
A sixth version was produced for nurses. It consisted of the box itself, a packet of chocolate and the usual Christmas or New Years card.
