Title: Rare 19-century Women's Victorian Lizard Skin & Silver Cardholder
Shipping: $29.00
Artist: N/A
Period: N/A
History: Art
Origin: North America > United States
Condition: N/A
Item Date: N/A
Item ID: 406
A rare 19th-century women’s antique Victorian lizard skin and silver cardholder. Collectors will appreciate the intricate silver engraving and the excellent condition of this exquisite piece. Please reach out if you are interested in this spectacular and rare cardholder, which is in mint condition. The history of women’s calling cards and cardholders dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when they became essential tools of etiquette and social interaction among the upper classes. Calling cards, often ornately designed, were used to announce visits, express gratitude, or convey condolences. These cards reflected the refinement and status of the owner, often embellished with elaborate fonts, delicate patterns, and embossed crests. Women carried their calling cards in elegant cardholders crafted from fine materials such as silver, ivory, tortoiseshell, or exotic leathers, showcasing both personal taste and wealth. By the 18th century, the ritual of exchanging calling cards had become a cornerstone of sophisticated social networking, with intricate rules dictating their use. These accessories were not only practical but also served as fashionable symbols of a lady's social standing and attention to propriety.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, leatherwork was highly valued for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Skilled artisans used leather to craft a wide range of items, including bookbindings, furniture upholstery, footwear, belts, and personal accessories like wallets and calling card holders. The tanning processes of the time involved intricate techniques to produce supple, long-lasting, and beautifully finished leathers, often dyed in rich colors or embossed with elaborate designs. Exotic leathers, such as those from alligators, lizards, and other animals, were especially prized among the wealthy for their rarity and luxurious textures. Leather's ability to combine practicality with opulence made it a status symbol, showcasing craftsmanship and sophistication. Its use in everything from functional goods to decorative items reflected both its practicality and the social aspiration of its owners, ensuring its desirability across Europe and beyond.
