A Brief History of the Calling Card: From Aristocratic Etiquette to Vintage Charm
Long before texts and DMs, there was a time when introductions, visits, and social standing were communicated through a small but powerful piece of paper: the calling card.
Suspected to have originated in 15th-century China, calling cards gained widespread popularity in 17th- and 18th-century Europe. Also known as visiting cards—they were essential tools of social etiquette among the elite. These cards, often adorned with ornate scripts, crests, or embossed designs, were more than just a name on paper; they were statements of refinement and status.
By the Victorian era, the calling card had become an indispensable part of social life. A visit to someone’s home might begin with the discreet presentation of a card via a butler or a silver tray in the entryway. The response—or lack of one—signaled everything from polite interest to social rejection.
Vintage Victorian calling card
Originally, men’s cards were typically narrow and feature a simple design, while women’s were often more decorative. The language of corners—folded, bent, or marked—conveyed specific meanings:
An in-person visit was indicated by turning the right-hand upper corner;
a congratulatory visit by turning the left-hand upper corner;
a condolence visit the left-hand lower corner;
and turning the right-hand lower corner meant the person was embarking on a long trip.
Gentlemen would initial their cards with an abbreviation for a French phrase—p.f. for congratulations (pour féliciter), p.c. for condolences (pour condoléance), p.p. for an introduction (pour présenter)—to convey their message.
Though the practice declined in the 20th century with the rise of the telephone and shifting social norms, calling cards still echo in modern business cards and even digital contact sharing.
A resurgence
Today, calling cards are making a bit of a resurgence, especially amongst individuals with refined tastes. For those desiring a more personal touch for introductions outside of business circles — using your busines card in social situations was considered bad form in the heyday of calling cards — a personal calling card is an elegant solution. In these instances, your calling card should reflect your personality. In our digital society, when someone puts your phone number into their cell phone contacts, they may look at the entry some time later and fail to remember much about you. Modern calling cards offer an opportunity to jog their memory, either with an image or phrase. The design and typography of your card also offers an opportunity for personalization, reflecting your tastes and style.
Why invest in calling cards?
Letterpress printed calling cards are a perfect way to facilitate an introduction that leaves the other party wanting to know more. A custom calling card exudes class, refinement, and distinction…while adding a bit of mystery to the equation.
Calling cards also make perfect gifts for students and graduates as they embark to start careers. An elegantly designed calling card is the perfect companion to a well-crafted resume to stand out amongst the crowd of job seekers, communicating sincerity and professionalism in an instant. You can be assured the recipient will take note.
At Old North State, we leverage the distinctive nature of letterpress printing to produce cards with elegant, tactile designs for both personal and business use. For clients wishing for something more customized, we will collaborate with you to design the perfect card just for you. Contact us for more information and to begin your journey to a more refined statement of you or for someone you love.