Walker & Hall Sheffield plate card tray
Walker & Hall Sheffield plate card tray
A Walker & Hall Sheffield plate card tray with engraved cartouche and raised feet, circa 1850.
Card trays were used by staff to present visiting cards to the Lady or Gentleman of the house who would then decided whether or not to receive the visitor.
Visiting card etiquette, rooted in the 18th and 19th centuries, reflects the formal customs of social and business interactions. Traditionally, a visiting card (or calling card) was presented when visiting someone's home or during social calls.
Cards were left at the entrance with a servant or placed on a silver tray to announce one's presence. The way the card was folded or the corner turned could convey specific messages, such as a personal visit or a congratulatory call.
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 was presented when visiting someone's home or during social calls. Cards were left at the entrance with a servant or placed on a silver tray to announce one's presence. The way the card was folded or the corner turned could convey specific messages, such as a personal visit or a congratulatory call.){kind=link}