This image, my friends, shows a Calling Card and how it was used. During the 1800's and early 1900's the Calling Card was the only way to arrange a visit. The visitor (wealthy enough to have their own personalised calling cards printed) would knock on the door of the visitee (I don't know if that's a word but it will do for this) and hand their card to the servant.
The servant would place the card on a platter (usually silver) and take it through to the visitee - if they were at home. The visitor would stand on the porch or in the home's reception and wait until they were either taken through for the visit (again, by the servant) or advised that the visitee was not 'at home'. In that case the visitee would then respond either by telephone (early 1900's) or by taking their own Calling Card to their visitors home where the same process would take place.
It was very popular with ladies and those who have read the classics will be familiar with the Calling Card.
These days we phone, email or facebook to see if we can arrange a visit. Personally, I love the idea and leaving a business card for someone I want to see just isn't the same.
Like to know more? Check out this:
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/09/07/the-gentlemans-guide-to-the-calling-card/
