FREE: Victorian CALLING Card Late 1800's 19th Century Roses

The listing, Victorian CALLING Card Late 1800's 19th Century Roses has ended.

About 2 x 4 inches as shown, this painted embossed Victorian era Calling Card was a calling for love! See both pictures. Delicately laced die cut around the edges, this card was given by a man (inside name) to a lady he wanted to call upon. Married women gave their husband's cards as an introduction. These are highly collectible;I got this from an antique store going out of business MANY years ago. The chromolithography on top is gently glued to the lace bottom where the hidden name of the caller is revealed.

A bit of history-
"In the day of genteel manners and formal introductions, the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships. The custom of carrying calling or visiting cards began in France in the early 1800's. It quickly spread throughout Europe, and then became vastly popular in the United States, especially the New England area from 1840-1900. Calling cards were carried primarily by the "well-to-do" ladies who made a point to go calling on friends and family on a specified day of the week or month, depending on their location and proximity to neighbors. The gracious reserve of a simple calling card is a gentle reminder of one's presence, and the care poured into a finely crafted card is a welcome courtesy."
Thanks for looking!