Scarce original First World War ‘Princess Mary Gift Fund bullet pencil’ circa 1914-1918

A scarce original First World War ‘Princess Mary Gift Fund bullet pencil’ circa 1914-1918.  Princess Mary at the age of 14 was so struck by the suffering of Allied Soldiers during WWI that she appealed to the populace to send gifts to the soldiers by Xmas; the appeal was so popular and successful that the Fund managed to send millions of little tins from 1914-1918, some containing these pencils, to homesick soldiers at the front. These fine quality pencils were made by various manufacturers including Asprey London and originally given by Princess Mary as a Christmas gift in 1914 to the Soldiers and Sailors fighting for King and Country.

These tins and the treasures within were often treasured by soldiers. Poignant examples have been found on Flanders Fields. The brass bullet casing is engraved with Princess Mary's cypher, stamped to the base 'KN 14 VII' and complete with white metal bullet head and what apears to be the original pencil.

Price marked at $220 AUD. 

Measurements: approx. 8cm in length.

Very Good antique condition.