What-is-it question CXXXV.

[2209patrick]

This item was made by the Meriden Silver Plate Company, c.1884.
It is 12 inches ( 30.48 cm.) high and 10.75 inches (27.31 cm.) long.

This example served two purposes,. What is it called ?



Pat.
.

[JLDoggett]

A calling card receiver. It sits on a side-table in the enterenceway with flowers in the glass horn. When a visitor enters they slip their card into the lower tray.
.

[2209patrick]

Well done JLDoggett .

It is a card receiver. This was an important piece in affluent Victorian households.
The more elaborate calling-card receivers like this were made during the 1880's in America.

Back then it was the custom to leave calling or visiting cards.
Even bending the corners held a special significance:
- Turning down the top right-hand corner meant a personal visit,
- a bent upper left corner meant cangratulations,
- the bent lower right corner meant adieu,
- a bent lower left corner meant condolence, and
- when the entire left end was turned down it meant the call was on the whole family.

This practice was introduced to the U.S. from abroad after the Civil War and continued up to the 20th century.

Pat.
.

[JLDoggett]

Actually, Pat it they are still used, both the cards abd recievers though differently these days:

Today calling cards are still used at many weddings, funerals and large parties when a "sign-in" book is not concidered proper and they are often carried (mostly by women) to scocial functions (as opposed to business cards which should only be exchanged at business functions) for ease when meeting someone new who might be acceptable to one's circle of friends. They are also easier when sending a wedding gift and for inclusion with flowers to a funeral.

While I have seen a few of the recievers used in England and here in the States in Washington, D.C. It has been very few and far between. They do make good accents for the table as a holder of flowers with candies on the tray.

Best regards,

Jim
.