Search

The Agent’s sample book from Crown Card Co., Columbus, Ohio, contains 34 samples of visiting cards accompanied by prices, design names, and instructions for ordering.

The Agent’s sample book from Crown Card Co., Columbus, Ohio, contains 34 samples of visiting cards accompanied by prices, design names, and instructions for ordering. The volume (12.5 x 18 cm) is bound with blue paper and staples. Sample styles range from simple to intricate, with some including beveling, embossing, or silk borders. Most feature chromolithographic color, floral imagery, and animals. Different type settings available to a customer are also advertised.

This album, belonging to Martha Louise "Mattie" Day, contains 26 self-portraits drawn by Mattie's "C. H. S." classmates, and includes profile drawings, names, and brief comments relating to a shared experience.

This album, belonging to Martha Louise "Mattie" Day, contains 26 self-portraits drawn by Mattie's "C. H. S." classmates, and includes profile drawings, names, and brief comments relating to a shared experience.

Mattie wrote, "You are requested to draw your picture, with appropriate remarks" on the front paste-down. The bulk of the drawings were done by her female classmates, and their writing often referenced memories involving Mattie. Some made self-deprecating remarks about their appearances. "A. H." wrote, "When this you see/don't forget the eve we played and I beat you all at dominoes." Adilia H. wrote, "The rose is red/the violet blue/sugar is sweet/and so are you Mattie. Ever your friend." Many include the note, "Class '78 C.H.S." One pink ribbon is laid into the volume.

Artist "N. B." created this series of seven captioned illustrations and dedicated it to John L. Flagg in 1859. Titled "The Coming Man A Tragedy," the line drawings follow a woman's courtship beginning with the receipt of a letter from a potential suitor, her preparations for his visit, and the suitors' subsequent cancelling of the event.

Artist "N. B." created this series of seven captioned pen and ink drawings and dedicated the volume to John L. Flagg in 1859. Titled "The Coming Man A Tragedy," the line drawings follow a woman's courtship beginning with the receipt of a letter from a potential suitor, her preparations for his visit, and the suitors' subsequent cancelling of the event.

The woman in the story received a letter from "Mr. Jones," stating that he would be coming soon; she then practiced songs he liked, made his favorite pudding, prepared a room, and dressed nice, only to receive a letter stating that he could not come.

The volume's title was created with letters shaped like humans and horses.

This visiting card specimen book contains 48 printer's sample cards pasted into the volume, including "hidden name" examples with movable die-cut flaps and other devices.

This visiting card specimen book contains 48 printer's sample cards pasted into the volume, including "hidden name" examples with movable die-cut flaps and other devices. Predominant visual themes are flowers, birds, hands, children, and cherubs. Others include a dog holding a guitar, a quill pen, a G.A.R card, and an "Imp Card" showing a devil holding a sign to read "I AM ___ WHO THE [DEVIL] ARE YOU."

A "Gold Escort" card has the text "I beg the blissful felicity of being honored with your gracious condescension to the extent of allowing your humble servant to escort you to your leafy bower this balmy eve. Say yes, fair lady!"