MATERIALS

Most sources dictate the simpler the card, the more elegant and refined. The plainer the card, the better and it should not glazed or ornamented in any way The card should be made of white unglazed bristol board of medium weight (Holt, 1901).

 

Design & Lettering

Engraved in plain black on white is the preferred style. "The perfect card shows no decoration of any kind whatsoever. The engraving is properly and fashionable done in block, script or old English lettering. Cards used in good society are engraved in black on pure white" (Watts, 1909). I am currently searching for any primary sources that explain the prevalence of the brightly colored cards found in most Victoriana and Ephemera pages.

Example of a typical colored card with hidden name

Lot of Victorian Card purchased on eBay

 

The Ladies Card

As a rule, a ladies card should measure 3 - 3 1/4 inches wide by 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches high. Married women should always present their name as "Mrs. John Smith", never "Mrs. Angela Smith. Unmarried women should be presented as "Miss Angela Smith," never "Angela Smith." Names should be printed in the center of the card, with the at home day printed below on the far left with the home address in the right corner.

Example of Married Woman's Card

Example of an Unmarried Woman's Card

 

The Gentleman's Card

A gentleman's card is longer and more narrow, the most popular size being 1 5/8 inches high by 3 1/4 inches long. A gentleman should present their name as "Mr. John Smith" or but never with only initials for his first name. Bachelors may have the name of their club or both their address and club (in opposite corners), but never an at home day.

Example of Gentleman's Card

 

The Joint Card

The joint card is used for married couples as well as for daughters who are not out in society yet and continue to call with their mothers. The sizes of joint cards are usually 3 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches high.

Example of Joint Card