Object of the Day: A Card with a Hidden Motto

Click image to enlarge.

This little greetings card is actually about the size of a calling card. I’d date it to circa 1860. This clever little card features an applied, embossed chromolithograph of two putti holding a gold frame (printed with metallic ink). To the right of this applied decoration, the words “Hidden Motto” are printed. And, within the frame we see the words “Sincere Affection.”

However, when this was first made and given in affection, the applied decoration featured a little die-cut door which folded back. This round cut-out would have covered the center of the frame. When the decoration was applied, it was done so over the words “Sincere Affection” so that, when the little door was opened, the “hidden motto” could be revealed and a secret crush could be demonstrated. 

Long ago, who knows when, the little door was ripped off, but we still get the idea. I like to think that this card once made someone very happy…and maybe blush a little.