Unique History of Business Cards

Trade cards were at the other end of the spectrum of social graciousness.

They could be used as bills, invoices or receipts and sometimes even as labels. A good example from 1769 can be found at americanantiquarian.org

Trade cards are closely related to our modern day business card.

Victorian Trade Card Depi... Buy From Art.com

They were generally about 3" x 5" in size. Some have been found closer to 8" x 10" and could be printed vertically or horizontally. In America their popularity was the highest in the late 1800's to 1900, though their history went back as far as the 1600's in Europe.

Trade cards could be divided into two different types:

1. Stock cards were the generic cards of the day and could be used to advertise any product.

Usually a picture was on the front with a blank box somewhere on it where the advertiser would put their name and the back being left blank so with the person advertising could print their own sales information.

Hunting Dog, Pointer, Victorian Trade... Buy From Art.com

2. Custom cards were used by specific companies that would put a picture of their own product on the card not to be shared with any other competitor.

The 1700's and 1800's were rough and tumble times in Europe and the colonies with businesses located in narrow, cramped business districts that had primitive directions little or no numbering systems for addresses. Sometimes dangerous areas at night where you wouldn't want to find yourself lost and alone.

Street-smart tradesman wanted to get you to their shop with as little hassle as possible thus their business cards (trade cards) would be simple.

There would be descriptions of what they were selling and a map of how to get to their store.

Printing was generally by woodcut or letter press and as inexpensive as possible.

Remember that during this period the population in general had little knowledge of the written language so illustrations and maps were often used.

The larger trade cards would be used as flyers to advertise products and sales, not just the business name.

**WARNING** A tradesman would not want to use his trade card as a calling or visiting card. If your trade card was left for a homeowner it would be considered as a bill collection for debts owed.

Obviously that would not be a good way to introduce yourself.

As commerce grew in respectability the business people of that time upgraded the quality of their cards to distinguish themselves from their competitors just as we do today. The higher the quality of card used, the better the chance to attract a higher paying clientele.

The history of business cards became easier to follow because as these trade cards became more and more elaborate people began collecting the cards which became a popular hobby in the late 19th century. Thus a trade card also became a trading card due to them exchanging cards as collectors. This worked well in showing the history of business cards. You can find several good links in our resources section .

Some trade cards were really amazing with their designs and colors, others would be funny, some risqué and others had puzzles or inspirational sayings.

Here is another one from my small collection...

Trade Card for "Office Ge... Buy From Art.com