When February arrives and Valentine’s Day is near, I like to display my collection of Victorian calling cards.  On these beautiful chromolithograph cards, hearts, hands, doves, and flowers speak of romance, friendship (and climbing the social ladder).  These little scraps of ephemera (paper collectible) make my heart go pitty-pat.

At first the little cards were referred to as visiting cards, but later they were known as calling cards.

Silver trays were placed on a table near the front door to hold the calling cards.

The number of cards in a tray was an indication of ones social status and popularity.

These antique cards were made by the painstaking printing method called chromolithography.  Each color had to be printed separately with drying time necessary between each printing.  The colors are so bright and beautiful.

Hidden under the paper “scrap” is the caller’s name.  There were strict rules governing the etiquette of when and how to deliver the cards.  These “rules” differed according to regions and neighborhoods, but generally the cards were used as tokens of friendship or for social advancement.

Hands of friendship were offered on many cards.

Doves of peace and hearts for love were also popular.

Beautiful roses and forget-me-nots conveyed messages of love and admiration.

These calling cards are so much prettier than our modern day business cards.

Blessings to you and yours,