article_snippet.sent: In the case of late 19th-century America, it was the 'escort card' - not to be confused with the explicit sort you might imagine today - but rather
article_snippet.sent: a comical printed card men would hand to women a comical printed card men found attractive.
article_snippet.sent: According to The Encyclopedia of Ephemera, there were two types of cards used in the 1870s and 1880s.
article_snippet.sent: One was referred to as the 'calling card' and would be used by gentleman to formally introduce two types of cards used in the 1870s and 1880s to new acquaintances - much like the modern business card.
article_snippet.sent: The second, as seen in Collector Alan Mays  collection, was a novelty variety reserved for more casual encounters, namely men seeking the company of women, known as an 'escort card'. '
article_snippet.sent: Several of the cards bear phrases such as: '
article_snippet.sent: Certain cards were short and to-the-point - including this 'may I. C. U. Home?' card .
article_snippet.sent: These 'escort cards' were seen as a more casual version of what we today regard as business cards . ' card poses, 'Who the devil are you?'
highlights_snippet.sent: The cheeky cards were given by men to women in 19th century America .
  