WWI British Military Princess Mary Christmas Gift Tin 1914

A rectangular brass gift tin commissioned by Princess Mary for members of the British and Allied forces serving in 1914. The lid features a central profile portrait of Princess Mary facing left, enclosed in a laurel wreath and flanked by the monogram letter M. The top edge features an embossed scroll with the words IMPERIUM BRITANNICUM. Circular medallions located in the corners and along the sides name the Allied nations: BELGIUM, FRANCE, RUSSIA, SERVIA, JAPAN, and MONTE NEGRO. The base of the lid displays a central cartouche inscribed CHRISTMAS 1914, set between two depictions of battleships. The upper borders are further decorated with embossed bayonets and scabbards. The interior is finished with a gold-coloured surface.