Monday, August 6, 2012

Unusual Artifacts: A Silver Calling Card Case, 1852

Silver Card Case
Elkington & Co., 1852
The Victoria & Albert Museum



Made in 1852, this silver case would have been used to hold calling cards. Such cards were presented by an individual upon paying a formal visit to someone’s home.

This particular case was shown at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris and at the International Exhibition, London, in 1862. It’s the work of designer George C. Stanton who worked for Elkington, Mason & Co, in Birmingham, England.

Elkington, Mason & Co. specialized in electroplate and electrotypes. Stanton, an expert in the field, was initially hired to assist their chief designer, but soon stepped up to a more important role within the firm. Stanton’s designs often show the influence of the Italian Renaissance style which the artist especially favored.   


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