World War 1 Queen Mary's Gift brass box Christmas 1914

**Neil LW546** · 06-23-2009, 04:07 PM

Are there many fakes of these around?

how can you tell?

cheers

OKW · 06-23-2009, 05:32 PM

There are some, the contents are more commonly faked being easier to manufacture. If you can post a picture or two would help. The weak point of these tins are the hinges which snap quite easily.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 06-23-2009, 09:11 PM

If you can show a pic it would be best.

Fakes are not that common, but do exist. Look for poor detail not due to over polishing and new looking brass.

I saw a nice one for sale last month in a general antiques store for £25 which still had a good amount of the original gilt plating intact. I have shown a couple of good ones on the forum.

Cheers, Ade.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 06-23-2009, 10:41 PM

Here are links to two threads you will find of interest:

A distant family member

Princess Mary's gift tin 1914

Cheers, Ade.

**HJ-Collector** · 06-23-2009, 11:16 PM

nice links ade cheers

**Neil LW546** · 06-24-2009, 03:44 PM

thanks for those ade.

I would quite like to get one and just thought abit like medals there might be a few fakes around.

Im currently checking out a couple of shops and Ebay, i would prefer to see for myself before buying though.

cheers

bwolfe · 07-03-2009, 03:19 PM

Hi. I have a brass box which I think is what you made note of . Attached are pictures. It is in good shape and does not appear to be a reproduction. I understand some of these boxes were made of nickel for lesser officials in Queen Mary's army and these were Christmas gifts of the Queens for the armed forces in 1914. They contained smoking supplies I believe. What do you think of this and what do you think it may be worth. Thanks. bw