Business Card History 101Here is the short and sweet version of business card history 101.It's interesting to see how we fit into the big scheme of things as business people. The business card you hand out can be traced back at least to the 1700's and even further to the 1400's depending on who you decide to believe. Business card history has a dual path going back to the calling cards (or visiting cards pictured here) used by high society and the trade cards used by the common business folk that operated lower on the social strata.
It is believed that the visiting or calling cards were first seen in China in the 1400s later with the French in the 1600s and then the Germans in the 1700s. They were much more common throughout Europe during the 17th century. Visiting cards were used by the aristocrats to communicate with one another and display their social status. They developed very elaborate customs in the way these cards were to be used In their social circles.
Not having telephones with which to call ahead, the visitor would arrive unexpectedly at someone's home. A visiting card would be handed to the butler to present to the owner of the home. Messages could be written on the card or codes were also used such as bending certain corners on the card which would convey sympathy, affection or other meanings. If the resident was not receiving visitors, the calling card would be left in the tray by the front door . The idea of having a card case was a natural progression back then. The image you left behind needed to be top notch so preserving your card was an important point. The cases could be extremely ornamental made out of ivory, silver or cheaper materials for the less affluent.
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