"C" Is For Calling Card

Once upon a time, it was a part of everyday life for "fashionable" people to always have calling cards. The first known calling cards go back to China in the 15th Century. They were introduced to French nobility in the 17th Century and by the early 1800's England and much of Europe had embraced the use of cards by upper class citizens and high ranking officials.

There was a very structured deliverance involved when presenting one's card. The presenter would wait outside in the carriage as the card was delivered to the house butler. The recipient would respond in kind a few days later and then a person-to-person meeting would be arranged. If the original presenter received the return card in an envelope or worse yet, no reply at all, no further contact would be attempted (and presumably, the optimistic hopes of the socialite would be dashed!) 
A card could be presented with any of a number of abbreviated French phrases written discreetly in a corner. Depending on the type of visit, the letters "p.c." - pour condoleance (condolence call)  "p.r." - pour remercier (thanks) or "p.f." - pour feliciter (congratulations)
Of course, Victorians, being the proper people they were, had to carry something decorative to hold the cards.

For more fascinating history about calling cards visit Days Of Elegance.
One of the wedding gifts we received from my husband's Australian side of the family was this sweet silver calling card tray.

It has moved with us for close to 45 years, each new Army base location, each new apartment and home. As a new bride, I faithfully read my copy of The Army Wife (circa 1966) and realized even then, the old traditions of military protocol were disappearing for officer's and their wives. The tray received little if any use other than decoration and keeping it polished. Perhaps an embassy assignment might have dictated different rules...but we were happy to be in a more casual setting at military bases throughout the South & most of the time was spent in coping with year long separations and having a husband who was a pilot. 

The tray's purpose has long been set aside and now sits on my night table next to the bed. It holds a little pillbox collection and a small framed photo of our son at the age of two. 

Cards of today - whether business or personal, have taken on an informal look - Mr. Outback quickly printed up his own take on cards shortly after retirement. And our son, Dave, has these unique cards printed by the hundreds for distribution to potential clients. His own images on one side and website on the other.

These are a few of my vintage calling cards - don't you love the graceful script and the feathered edges? 

 With today's faster than a blink of the eye communication, it is difficult to understand the pace and style of living 100+ years ago. Great emphasis was placed on manners and social niceties. While we would probably not want to return to some of the stricter observances, it would be lovely to gain back common everyday courtesies and pleasant greetings.
"C" is for Calling Card and I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday. Drop by Jenny Matlock's and leave your very own calling card at all the other "C" postings!