E. L. Muellich, Dealer in Love, Kisses, and Up-to-Date Hugs

"E. L. Muellich, wholesale and retail dealer in love, kisses, and up-to-date hugs. I have no soliciters, all claiming to be, are fakes. Sole proprietor, lover's lane. A trial is all I ask, special attention to other people's girls. "

Acquaintance cards like this one were popular in the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries They were a humorous way for young men to start up conversations, break the ice, flirt, or otherwise get acquainted with young ladies. In contrast to the formality of the Victorian-era calling cards, acquaintance cards were lighthearted and humorous, and they parodied the conventional etiquette of exchanging calling cards. The elaborate penmanship executed for the name in this example suggests that it may have been purchased through the mail or perhaps at an amusement park or at the beach.

For additional examples, see my Flickr Acquaintance Cards set, which was featured in Brett and Kate McKay's article "May I See You Home? 19th Century Calling Cards Guaranteed to Score You a Date" on The Art of Manliness blog, Feb. 13, 2014.