WW2 British Army Cigarette Ration Tin (Larger Format) Grouping.

An example of the larger sized, issue, ration tin with some contents. Contains a complete packet of ‘Mogul’ cigarettes and a larger box of the very rare ‘Bryant & May’s, Royal Wax Vestas’ period matches.

In addition to tea, cigarettes were one of the most important comfort items available to troops. As well as commercially available items, usually purchased at the NAAFI (Navy, Army, Air Forces Institute), many were part of the issued rations and were often used like money for wagers in card games, etc. Most cigarettes were available in boxed packets of ten or packed tins of fifty. Lighters were usually a private purchase item with boxes of matches readily available for lighting cigarettes, stoves, etc.

The Metal Box Company Ltd who manufactured, amongst other things, Boyes Anti-tank Rifles and Verey Pistols produced many of these metal tins. The base and lid are pressed from single sheets of metal negating the use for a soldered joint and allowing them, when taped, to be watertight. Inner surfaces were ‘tinned’ to prevent rust.

Sized at:
Length: 10.5cm (4”)
Height: 8cm (3”)
Thickness: 2.5 cm (1”)
*Sizes are approx.

Priced to reflect condition and period contents.

Code: 194