In the day of genteel manners and formal introductions, the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships. 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."
    Cards were left at each person's home the individual went to visit, whether they were home or not.  The person visiting would leave their "calling card" in a specific "card receiver" which was set on a marble top entry table or  "parlor center table." 
       Sometimes the visitor would leave the card with a servant so the homeowner would know they stopped by. Below are some Early American Pattern Glass folded dishes that have held these calling cards during the "gay '90s" in America
These Victorian card receivers are for sale. 
We may have other forms of these patterns for sale as well. 
to purchase or inquire about them.
LADDERS & DIAMONDS is a Tarentum Glass Co. product c. 1903. Some gold decor has made it through the past century.  $28

HARVARD YARD is one of Tarentum's best known full line patterns.  There is a small chip on one of the edge points.  The tray is a full 6" long and $34.

PANELLED ENGLISH HOBNAIL, a Tarentum pattern, would show off your cards with class. 
It is 6", has beautiful
gold trim & costs $32.
Strawberries grace this delicate 5 1/2" long card holder.  There is a small flake on the inside of the folded edge and there is a single strawberry in center of base.  It is $28
Fostoria's Pattern #1119, SYLVAN, is shown here as a card holder that would do a great job of showing them off.  It is 5 3/4" long, gilded and $32
MINNESOTA
A states' pattern by
U S Glass Co. ca. 18890s. 
It is 4" x 6 1/2" &
holds cards nicely. 
$28


 
Tarentum's HEART W/ THUMBPRINT pattern card receivers. They are 6 1/2" long, 4" wide and with no damage. With no gold it is $29.
With excellent gold it is $38. See other view HERE.

 

COLORADO is a U S Glass Co. States' pattern ca. 1890s.
This is a sauce dish in the pattern but it works well as a card holder.
$28

Maple leaves grace the perimeter of this tiny little basket, only 5" long.  It would be a dainty holder for many items including business cards. There is a chip on one end so it is only $25.

Here's a little apple green Daisy
& Button boat from the 1880s that is 4 1/2" long - just the right
size to hold a business card.
$65
LADDERS (aka Tree) pattern is by Tarentum, their #292 ca. 1901. 
It hassome remaining gold decor
and is 4" x 5 1/4" $26

All of the clear Pattern Glass card holders are as originally made
without any damaging "sun purple" discoloration.
To purchase any of these Victorian Calling Card holders