What Is a Card Case?

A card case is what we call a "business card holder" today, but in the antique era, cards were not used for business as they are now. Instead, they were exchanged by members of the upper class at social gatherings.

Starting around the 17th century, it became customary for the upper classes in Europe and America to exchange cards known as "calling cards" or "visiting cards" at social gatherings. Beautifully decorated card cases made from a variety of materials, including silver, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell, began to be produced.

The cards themselves were also elaborately decorated.
Naturally, they did not contain phone numbers or email addresses, and the information was limited to a name and a simple address.
It is said that messages were written on the back before the card was handed over.

Victorian Card Etiquette

In an era before telephones, even a brief visit required going to someone's home.
In Victorian Britain, there seem to have been various rules for exchanging cards.

First, you would visit the home of the person you wished to see. You would place your card on a small card tray, known as a "salver," held by the servant, and have it handed to the master of the house.

The master of the house who received the card would write a message on his own card, including the time the visitor was welcome to return, and send it to those he wished to invite. If he did not wish to invite the person, he would simply return the visitor's card as it was.

Types of Card Cases

Antique card cases come in a variety of styles.
Here, we introduce some of the most common types.

① Zippo-Style

This type has a lid that flips up like a Zippo lighter.
This is the most common type of solid silver antique card case from Britain.
They are lightweight and compact, but some can hold more than 20 business cards.

② Aide-Mémoire Type

This is a bi-fold, two-panel type that includes a celluloid writing surface and a small pen.
It has leather or fabric pockets inside for holding cards, stamps, and other items.
Many examples no longer have the inner pockets or celluloid writing surfaces.

③ Small Curved Type

This is a small type with a curved shape designed to fit easily into a pocket.
It was used by men, and the cards used in it were also small.

④ Chain Type

This type features a chain and a ring for hooking a finger through.
It has a shape similar to a small handbag and was used by women.

⑤ Non-Silver Materials

In addition to silver, card cases are also made from a variety of materials, including leather, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell.

The Appeal of Card Cases

Beautiful, Unique Designs

The greatest appeal of antique card cases is that no two are alike.
Because they were used by members of the upper class at social gatherings, each owner had a beautiful, elaborately crafted card case custom-made for them.

A Conversation Starter as a Business Card Holder

The calling cards of that era did not have standardized dimensions like modern business cards do, and card cases also came in a variety of sizes, but many can hold modern business cards (approximately 9 x 6 cm).

Taking a business card out of an antique card case when exchanging cards is sure to spark conversation and leave a lasting impression on the other person.

Use It as a Small Wallet in Everyday Life

Even smaller card cases that cannot hold business cards may still fit credit cards or folded banknotes.

With the widespread adoption of electronic payments, there are fewer opportunities to use coins and cash. Therefore, placing a few credit cards or banknotes in one of these card cases and using it as an ultra-compact wallet is a stylish way to make use of it.

Summary

Card cases are antiques that are not only beautiful works of art but are also easy to incorporate into everyday life as business card holders or small wallets.

No two are alike, so we hope you find a card case in a design that is uniquely yours.