| The Valentine's Day Card Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, when lovers said or sang their Valentines. Written Valentines began to appear after 1400. The oldest Valentine in existence was made in the 1400's and is in the British Museum. Paper Valentines were exchanged in Europe where they were given in place of valentine gifts. Paper Valentines were especially popular in England. In the early 1800's, Valentines began to be assembled in factories. Early manufactured Valentines were black and white pictures painted by workers in a factory. Fancy Valentines were made with real lace and ribbons, with paper lace introduced in the mid 1800's. By the end of the 1800's, Valentines were being made entirely by machine. In 1850, Esther Howland, an American printer and artist was among the first to publish and sell Valentines in the United States. In the early 1900's a card company named Norcross became one of the first companies to manufacture Valentines. With the exception of Christmas, Americans exchange more cards on Valentine's Day than any other time of year. Click on the thumbnail images to view cards in their actual size. (high in graphic content, please be patient as images load) |
   Mfg. Esther Howland Circa: 1875 One of our Museums rarest and most prized possession is this Esther Howland Paper Lace Valentine. A true rarity, very few of Howland's early Valentines are in existence today. You can read about Esther Howland in the History Section of the Museum. This delicate card measures 2 3/4 by 3 3/4. Our enlargement is larger so you can get a detailed look at the intricate work. This card is blank inside. Howland's cards were stamped on the back with her trademark red "H". |
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 Mfg. Unknown Made in Germany Circa: Late 1800's - Early 1900's 3-D Pop-Up, Fold-Out, Cut-Out Card. Front piece says "To my Valentine" and folds forward, stands on its own to reveal the 3-D effect and says "To My Valentine, May every good my dear one bless life virtue health and happiness" |
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 Mfg. Unknown Made in Germany Circa: Late 1800's - Early 1900's 3-D Pop-Up, Fold-Out, Cut-Out card. Front piece says "To my Valentine" and folds forward, stands on its own to show the 3-D effect and reveals the two children sitting on a dock fishing. |
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 Mfg. H. Wessler Circa: Postmarked February 14th, 1910 Embossed, Gold Foiled Postcard reads: "Anticipation - Passed her by, Heaved a sigh, Made a bow, Love her now. Sweet Valentine" |
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  Front Back Mfg. Unknown Circa: Early 1900's Mechanical Embossed Cut-Out Card gives the appearance of the little Dutch girl running when the wheel of wooden shoes is spun. The wheel of feet is attached by a small metal grommet. The heart in her pocket reads: "To My Valentine" |
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 Mfg. Unknown Made in Germany Circa: Early 1900's Small Embossed Cut-Out Card reads: "Valentine Greetings" |
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Valentine's |
Copyright Vivian Krug - Emotions Greeting Cards