I Wish I Could Catch You

This type of Victorian "hidden name" calling card consists of an underlying card--this one has scalloped edges--with a colorful printed "scrap" covering the name that's printed on the card. In this case, the name hidden underneath the scrap is "Blanchie V. Wherley." The scrap, which is only glued to the card along the left-hand edge, can be carefully lifted from the right in order to reveal the name.

To understand how this works, see the following illustration (below), which demonstrates how to lift the scrap to uncover the name printed on the card.

The chromolithographed die-cut scraps often featured typical Victorian motifs, such as flowers, birds, and hands. Other scraps had patriotic themes, including U.S. flags, presidents, and Union generals of the American Civil War.

For additional examples of this type of Victorian card, see below or take a look at my Hidden Name Calling Cards album.