When etiquette mattered ...

Press, 12 August 1986, Page 16

When etiquette mattered ...

The use of calling cards was introduced into Britain from France early last century. It is said to have evolved from an earlier habit of writing one’s name on the back of a playing card, though this always seems to me to have been rather a casuals and frivolous beginning for something which became such a formal proceeding.

There was an elaborate ritual to be observed in their use which was described in great detail in a book called “Etiquette for Gentlemen,” which arrived in our home in a miscellany of old books bought at an auction.

I found it much more

ably impressive containers.

Craftsmen were not slow to meet the need. Masses of beautifully decorated, slim cases were produced in a variety of shapes and in all kinds of materials including silver; tortoiseshell; papiermache; mother of pearl; leather, and wood. Small and easily accommodated card cases are probably now collected for their beauty and variety, but they can also have a special interest for local historians. The fashion, transported here in colonial times, persisted at certain levels for some time after it had waned elsewhere.

It is interesting to re-

fleet that as late as the early 19605, New Zealand army officers were still being instructed in the, niceties of “Cards and Calling.” But I suppose most traditions survive longer in the services than elsewhere.

All the examples illustrated here have a local association.

The little silver purse container is inscribed with the initials L.C. and the date 25.12.1911. A family heirloom of the owner, it is obviously a treasured Christmas gift.

The others are from the Canterbury Museum and include two in mother of pearl with borders in what appears to be New

Zealand paua shell; a nicely decorated silver case once owned by C. S. Bowden, a fine, tortoiseshell case still containing some of the original cards with the name “Mr R. C. Dunell” neatly hand-writ-ten on each.

Perhaps even more interesting from an historical point of view are the two printer’s .plates for cards, still encased in their original covering envelopes. One of them, which includes information about the bearer’s profession might well be regarded as a forerunner of the modern “advertising” card now carried by most business and professional people. The first card simply

carries the owner’s name, Mrs A. Currie, but the name of the firm which produced the card is well advertised on the covering envelope — Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd, Christchurch, Welling, and Dunedin. Sadly, the full name of this firm which has contributed so much to New Zealand’s history and was founded in Christchurch, now exists only in Australia. In Christchurch half the name is pre-

served, but its present administrative headquarters in Auckland has changed its name completely. The second plate was used to produce cards for a very famous New Zealand personality — Sir Arthur Dudley . Dobson, after whom the pass linking Canterbury and the West Coast was named. He was the first pakeha discoverer of this route through the mountains.

At recent sales in Britain Victorian . card cases have been sold at prices ranging-from $2OO to $BOO. They are not too plentiful here, though a determined search will usually be rewarded. In a fairly quick look around I . discovered a particularly fine example of the silver envelope purse type at Ann-tiques Gallery in Gloucester Street; one silver case, and one mother-of-pearl at Aldous Antiques in Manchester Street, and an unusual turquoise one at Mandy’s Antiques, in Colombo Street North. I am sure there must be others. * ' ■' i Ji

If you are looking for a card case it may be wise to visit the Canterbury Horticultural Hall, in Cambridge Terrace either on Friday, August 15 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., or on Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when many Canterbury and South Island dealers will be combining to produce a great antiques fair. '

Admission is $2.60 for adults, any ■ children accompanying you may enter free. Refreshments will be available, and if you arrive early enough you may be able to buy one of the two sterling silver card cases which I understand will be for sale on one of the stalls.