Mid Century Calling Cards

[mrgrzeskowiak]

I was wondering if anyone could share some information on mid century calling cards. I have done basic I research but many sources skip over the detailed information.
1) What kind of paper would a calling card be printed on? What weight?
2) Generally victorian calling card size for gentlmen was 1.5 x 3 in and a ladies was 9 x 6 cm. Many sources say these sizes fluctuated slightly over the 19th century. Does anyone know what size would be appropriate for mid 19th?
3) When was it accurate to have the words conge, visite, felicitation, etc.. engraved on the corners of the card ( following new york society rules). And mostly, how were these orientated on the card. Were they written backwards on the back of the card so when the corner was folded down they were right side up, or were they printed so they were unside down when they folded down.
4)When did tinting first become popular, I know its appropriate for mens cards in the late 60's but what about womens?
5) When did it become appropriate to write P.P.C.(Pour Prendage Conge) when leaving town?
Sorry about all the questions......just thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

[Virginia Mescher]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

I was wondering if anyone could share some information on mid century calling cards. I have done basic I research but many sources skip over the detailed information.

I wrote an extensive article on visiting cards. To find it, go to www.raggedsoldier.com and click on Articles, Virginia's Veranda, click on archived, scroll down the listing of articles until you get to "Visiting and Visiting Cards: Not Just for the Ladies" which was written in July 2006. I think it will answer most of your questions.

[mzharvey]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

Thank You for bringing this topic up. I am a docent for an 1856 gentleman's farm in Wisconsin. We have several calling cards at our entrance in a bowl. I will read the article and look over the calling cards next weekend.
(of course, with my white gloves on)
Shelly Hlaban
Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society
Dean House
Madison, WI

[DougCooper]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

As an aside, my most prized possession is Joshua Chamberlain's small silver bowl that he used on his foyer/parlor table for visitors to deposit their cards. It is about 5 inches across, solid silver and has a simple edge design. It was a gift to me from Chamberlain's grand nephew when I took command of my Navy squadron (he was my command career counselor). I was speechless to say the least.

I have seen simple trays, of china and silver used for this purpose, and a bowl or two. Was there one more common type of vessel for this purpose?

[mrgrzeskowiak]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

Your article had alot of good information found in it, thank you. I still find it a confusing subject though, because so many of the period advice books give conficting advice. For example, the word printed is used many time, but it was also considered illbred to have a printed card instead of an engraved card.

[Virginia Mescher]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

Your article had alot of good information found in it, thank you. I still find it a confusing subject though, because so many of the period advice books give conficting advice.

Mike,

Unfortunately, you are experiencing the same problem that people of the period faced in the 19th century - conflicting advice from different etiquette manuals. That is one reason why I included information from a many different sources as I did and did not rely on just one or two.

The paragraph on the bottom of page 13 of the article explains the contradictions. In short, cards were fashionable and fashions change. I guess you just have to decide what is best for you and use that type of card.

[amontalvo915]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

What exactly were calling cards used for?

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

Ashley,

Virginia's article addresses the use of visiting cards (another thing you will learn in her wonderfully researched article). Basically, these visiting cards were used in many of the ways our modern business cards are used (to remember names for example) or basically to leave the card in the event the person was not home. Depending on where one was or how much money they were willing to spend the cards could relay purpose of the visit.

I HIGHLY encourage anyone interested in his subject to consult Virginia's research and then trace back to the original resources she has consulted running from the 18th into the late 19th century.

[Miss L]

Re: Mid Century Calling Cards

I put Mrs. Mescher’s article to good use and made up a bunch of calling cards for myself. They were a great ice-breaker at a living history I did earlier this year. The kids were fascinated with the whole concept and we had some wonderful discussions about period communication and visiting. And, of course, each child got one of my cards to keep. (it always amazes me how thrilled they are when you hand them some little thing and tell them they can have it!) Next time I think I’ll bring along blanks and let them make up one of their own right there.