Business Card History
III. Business Cards, 19th century
(Europe)
As an adoption from French court etiquette, visiting cards came to America
and Europe. They included refined engraved ornaments and fantastic coat
of arms. Visiting cards, or calling cards, were an essential accessory
to any 19th century middle class lady or gentleman.
Business Cards, 19th century
(USA)
In the United States there was a rigid distinction between business and
visiting cards.
The visiting cards served as tangible evidence of meeting social obligations,
as well as a streamlined letter of introduction. The stack of cards in
the card tray in the hall was a handy catalog of exactly who had called
and whose calls might need to be returned. They did smack of affectation
however, and were not generally used among country folk or working class
Americans.
Business cards on the other hand, were widespread among men and women,
of all classes with a business to promote. It was considered to be in
very poor taste to use a business card when making a social call. A business
card, left with the servants, could imply that you had called to collect
a bill.
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