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Victorian Calling Cards
In this age of cell phones, pagers, fax machines, and e-mail, it’s hard to imagine a time when a calling card spoke volumes about social relationships and romance.
Calling cards for social use were available during the 1850s, but it was between 1870 and 1900 that they were a mandatory part of the ritual surrounding ceremonial social visits. There was even a language of the calling card, whereby a specific message (condolences or congratulations) was conveyed by simple folding over a certain corner of the card. Calling cards also served as a tool during courtship, as evidenced by the tender printed messages adorned with bouquets, doves, and cupids found on a great many cards. Indeed, many old cards display colorful printed designs, decorative shapes, or messages such as “Forget Me Not” or “Accept My Love.”
The quintessential Victorian ephemera, calling cards were typically about 3 1/4 inches by 2 inches in size, but were made in a variety of styles and designs. They were initially turned out as plain cards with an imprinted name, but the penchant for adornment during the 1880s resulted in cards with embossed chromolithographed die-cut overlays that could be lifted to reveal the owner’s handwritten name. The die-cuts themselves are diverse, coming in many shapes and with greatly varying content, designs, and themes.
As with all antiques, condition and rarity determine value. Cards decorated with certain themes, such as cats, certain dogs, ships, trains, or famous people, bring more money. Focus on cards that are in near-mint condition; avoid cards with folds or tears and make sure the tips of die-cut designs are intact.
Calling cards for social use were available during the 1850s, but it was between 1870 and 1900 that they were a mandatory part of the ritual surrounding ceremonial social visits. There was even a language of the calling card, whereby a specific message (condolences or congratulations) was conveyed by simple folding over a certain corner of the card. Calling cards also served as a tool during courtship, as evidenced by the tender printed messages adorned with bouquets, doves, and cupids found on a great many cards. Indeed, many old cards display colorful printed designs, decorative shapes, or messages such as “Forget Me Not” or “Accept My Love.”
The quintessential Victorian ephemera, calling cards were typically about 3 1/4 inches by 2 inches in size, but were made in a variety of styles and designs. They were initially turned out as plain cards with an imprinted name, but the penchant for adornment during the 1880s resulted in cards with embossed chromolithographed die-cut overlays that could be lifted to reveal the owner’s handwritten name. The die-cuts themselves are diverse, coming in many shapes and with greatly varying content, designs, and themes.
As with all antiques, condition and rarity determine value. Cards decorated with certain themes, such as cats, certain dogs, ships, trains, or famous people, bring more money. Focus on cards that are in near-mint condition; avoid cards with folds or tears and make sure the tips of die-cut designs are intact.
Latest page update: made by kjacobso
, Jun 19 2007, 2:21 PM EDT
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