In the day of genteel manners and formal introductions, the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships. Calling cards were carried by the "well-to-do" ladies who made a point to "go calling" on friends and family on a specified day of the week or month, depending on their location and proximity to neighbors.  They are also known as "visiting cards."
    Cards were left at each persons home the individual went to visit, whether they were home or not.  The person visiting would leave their "calling card" in a specific "card receiver" which was set on a marble top entry table or  "parlor center table." 
       Sometimes the visitor would leave the card with a servant so the homeowner would know they stopped by. Below are some Early American Pattern Glass folded dishes that might have held these calling cards during the "gay '90s" in America

These Victorian card receivers are for sale. 
We may have other forms of these patterns for sale as well. 
Please click EMAIL us to purchase or inquire about them.
LADDERS & DIAMONDS is a Tarentum Glass Co. product c. 1903. Some gold decor has made it through the past century.  $28

HARVARD YARD is one of Tarentum's best known full line patterns.  There is a small chip on one of the edge points.  The tray is a full 6" long and $34.

PANELLED ENGLISH HOBNAIL, a Tarentum pattern, would show off your cards with class.  It is 6", has beautiful gold trim & costs $32.

Strawberries grace this delicate 5 1/2" long card holder.  There is a small flake on the inside of the folded edge and there is a single strawberry in center of base.  It is $28

This beautiful card receiver has gold trim and is without damage.  The pattern is POSTSCRIPT by Tarentum in 1905. (thanks Robin)  It is 5 1/2" long. **SOLD**

Fostoria's Pattern #1119, SYLVAN, is shown here as a card holder that would do a great job of showing them off.  It is 5 3/4" long, gilded and $32

STRIGIL aka Tarentum's #1644 was made ca. 1902.  The gold rim is excellent, it is 5" long and costs $34

Tarentum's HEART W/ THUMBPRINT pattern tray would be a great card receiver. 
**SOLD**

Tarentum's HEART W/ THUMBPRINT pattern actual card receiver.  It is 6 1/2" long, 4" wide and with no damage is $35.


Tarentum Glass Co. made the Heart w/ Thumbprint calling card holder in green with gold also.  It is also 6 1/2" long and 4" wide with no damage and **SOLD**

Maple leaves grace the perimeter of this tiny little basket, only 5" long.  It would be a dainty holder for many items including business cards. There is a chip on one end so it is only $25.

Tarentum Glass Co. made this pretty little card receiver c 1894 in their pattern called VIRGINIA.  It is 5 1/2" long and   $28
All of these card holders are clear as originally made
without any damaging "sun purple" discoloration.
To purchase any of these Victorian Calling Card holders

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