The custom of carrying calling cards began in France in the early 1800's.  It quickly spread throughout Europe, and then became vastly popular in the United States. Calling cards were carried by the "well-to-do" ladies who made a point to "go calling" on friends and family on a specified day of the week or month, depending on their location and proximity to neighbors.  They are also known as "visiting cards."   Each is different and all are beautiful. There were hundreds of thousands of cards printed from 1800 through the 1890's and styles changed from hand-penned cards to simple print, then hidden name, and even tiny envelope insert cards. The cards above are all 'hidden name' calling cards, meaning that the individual who carried the card had their name printed on the white card and then covered by what is called a decorative victorian "scrap," which is attached to the card on the left side.  The receiver would lift the scrap to see the visitors name underneath.  Hands, roses, and doves are depicted in rich vibrant colors.   These are over 100 years old.  Hearts, doves, scrolls, and forget-me-nots were common to find on the Victorian calling cards that were made in such a way that the colors are richer than any seen printed on modern day greetings.  It was a difficult and time consuming process called "chromolithography" that required one color at a time be printed, held to dry, then the next color was applied.  That process eventually became too time consuming and was automated, losing much quality.   These are actually a piece of history and are truly a lost art.