Calling card case

Mediumvelvet

ClassificationsJewelry, Eyeware and Watches

Credit LineGift of Marian Daniells, In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number74.16.150

Status

On view

Collections

Textiles and Jewelry

Label TextCALLING CARDS In the Victorian Era, calling cards were used as a formal introduction. Depending on the status of those involved, different rules were in place. The cards would state the sender’s name and were handed out to a new acquaintance, or left with house staff or a relative of the receiver if the intended were not available. Yet, underneath the formalities, there was a secret language with calling cards as well. If the card was bent or folded, each fold had a specific meaning. If the sender was visiting in-person the right-hand upper corner would be folded. If the sender was there for a congratulatory visit, the left-hand upper corner would be folded. If the sender was making a condolence visit, the left-hand lower corner would be folded. The right-hand lower corner was folded if the sender was to be gone for a while on a trip. If there were two or more ladies in the receiving household, the gentleman turned down a corner of the card to indicate that the call was designed for the whole family. Calling cards from men were usually broader and shorter. Women’s cards were about the same shape that business cards are today. In addition to calling cards, young men would occasionally use “acquaintance cards” or “escort cards.” These would usually have a lighter tone, almost as if to poke fun at the stiffness of social rules at the time. These cards could be given privately to a girl they liked as a way to flirt. Many of them would offer to walk the girl home, as that was the only appropriate way an unmarried man and women could be alone together. Examples in the permanent collection and Farm House Museum of calling cards, engraved plates for printing cards and elaborate calling card receiving trays can be seen. Source: “Saucy 'Escort Cards' Were a Way to Flirt in the Victorian Era.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 25 Jan. 2018, news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/01/160104-escort-cards-acquaintance-flirtation-victorian-america-dating-history/. ________________________________________________________________________ In the Victorian era, calling cards were an essential tool of social etiquette, serving as formal introductions or messages left with house staff when someone was unavailable. Beyond bearing a name, they also carried a subtle code. By simply folding a specific corner one could signal congratulations, condolences, or a farewell before travel. Men’s cards were typically broader and shorter, while women’s resembled modern business cards. Alongside these formalities, some young men used “acquaintance” or “escort” cards with messages to mock the rigid social order of the time. Young men also included f lirtatious messages on these cards, offering to walk a young woman home as it was the only socially acceptable way for an unmarried couple to spend time together. The popularity of calling cards during the Victorian era also gave rise to the production of various receiving trays, such as this 1882 ornate silver example made by the Derby Silver Company of Connecticut. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/160104-escort-cards-acquaintance-flirtation-victorian-america-datinghistory https://hobancards.com/blogs/thoughts-and-curiosities/calling-cards-and-visiting-cards-brief-history

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