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| Mackintosh's Toffee de Luxe |
In this Blog, we take a look at what Christmas gifts were being recommended by British manufacturers and retailers of the period as suitable for servicemen in the military (and naval) forces in 1915 during the 'Great War' of 1914-1918. These are taken from "
The Graphic", a magazine which was widely sold throughout the whole British Empire (including New Zealand and Australia) and also in the United States of America through their agents, "The International News Co." of New York. Most products are of a very practical nature and ideally suited for those serving in the Army or Navy.
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| Waterman's Ideal Fountain Pen |
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| The Allies' Wristlet Watch |
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| Horlick's Malted Milk Tablets |
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| Watson's "Sunica" Prism Binoculars |
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| Wright's Coal Tar Soap |
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The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Ltd
Military Jewellery |
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John Pound & Co
"Outpost" Aluminium Canteen |
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John Pound & Co
Pocket Lamp |
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John Pound & Co
3-Fold "Service" Map Case |
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John Pound & Co
"Redilite" Trench
or Map Lamp |
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John Pound & Co
"Active Service" Wrist Watch |
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"Harrods" London
Regimental & Naval Jewellers |
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Harrods London
Military & Naval
Watch |
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| Gillette Safety Razor |
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Craven "A"
Cigarettes |
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| The Army Wrist Watch Protector |
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Robinson & Cleaver, Belfast
Handkerchiefs |
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| The "Universal" Vacuum Flask |
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| Players Navy Cut Tobacco |
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| Smith's Glasgow Mixture (Tobacco) |
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Carter's Self-propelling Chair, a "Rest & Comfort" Chair,
& a Reading Stand |
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| Benson's Wristlet Watch |
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| Waltham Watches |
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JC Vickery, London, Jeweller, Silversmith &
Dressing Case Manufacturer |
Copyright : All images are from "The Graphic" of 1915 in my collection and may be freely copies provided this site is acknowledged.
Great post! It reminds me of young Princess Mary, the Princess Royal, who wanted to give a gift to every brave service man in the trenches in time for Christmas 1914. I am glad she did.
ReplyDeletehttp://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/gifts-to-soldiers-in-ww1-trenches-from.html
But her gift had to be the same for every single fighting man (apart from tobacco). The gifts above, as recommended by The Graphic, were much more personal. And more useful as well. The only thing I wonder is if ordinary families could afford something wonderful like military jewellery or wrist watches.
Thank you Hels. This post has left me wondering at what sort of gifts may have been sent by family and friends from Australia and New Zealand and what was acceptable bearing in mind (any) regulations, logistics and war conditions. Could be fascinating research.
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