The carte de visite (French: [ka?t d? vizit], visiting card), abbreviated CdV, was a type of small photograph which was patented in Paris by photographer André Adolphe Eugène Disdéri in 1854, although first used by Louis Dodero. It was usually made of an albumen print, which was a thin paper photograph mounted on a thicker paper card. The size of a carte de visite is 54.0 mm (2.125 in) × 89 mm (3.5 in) mounted on a card sized 64 mm (2.5 in) × 100 mm (4 in). In 1854, Disdéri had also patented a method of taking eight separate negatives on a single plate, which reduced production costs. The carte de visite was slow to gain widespread use until 1859, when Disdéri published Emperor Napoleon III's photos in this format. This made the format an overnight success. The new invention was so popular it was known as "cardomania" and it spread throughout Europe and then quickly to America and the rest of the world.
Each photograph was the size of a visiting card, and such photograph cards were traded among friends and visitors. Albums for the collection and display of cards became a common fixture in Victorian parlors. The immense popularity of these card photographs led to the publication and collection of photographs of prominent persons.
By the early 1870s, cartes de visite were supplanted by "cabinet cards", which were also usually albumen prints, but larger, mounted on cardboard backs measuring 110 mm (4.5 in) by 170 mm (6.5 in). Cabinet cards remained popular into the early 20th century, when Kodak introduced the Brownie camera and home snapshot photography became a mass phenomenon.
The CDV's may have faults typical of items from that time. Some will have less wear, and some will have more, so please, view my high quality scans carefully, and form your own opinion of condition.
During the 1860s through the 1880s, photographers loved creating elaborate, staged allegorical tableaus. A CDV titled "The Arena" almost certainly references Ancient Rome's Colosseum, where early Christians were famously depicted facing wild beasts.
Original in black and white. Small damage at top. Otherwise Excellent Condition.
Faults should be readily apparent or described above. Please look carefully for any edge wear, tears or corners dents etc. Thank You!
In general, they will be in fine/ very fine condition. Additional information upon request. Just message me! Thanks for looking, and thanks in advance for your bids or purchase!
In general, postal history items will be in fine / very fine or XF condition. Many like FDC's will be in pristine condition. Standalone stamps will be described. Additional information upon request. Just message me! Thanks for looking, and thanks in advance for your purchases!
I've had slight issues with inventory control. Please allow me to a few hours to confirm that I have your item(s) before you pay for it (them).
I'll send an invoice to you through eBay or Sixbit software which will confirm that I have the item. This only affects 1 out of 100 items, but I don't want customers to be disappointed. I think this will help. Thanks, Dave
**********************************
SHIPPING & HANDLING FOR MY ITEMS
At Checkout, You Will (Hopefully) Have These Shipping Options.
IF YOU WANT TRACKING, YOU NEED TO PAY FOR IT.
$1.25 = USPS First Class - No Tracking
$4.50 = Parcel Post with Tracking
or for Insured Mail up to $100.00.
$15.00 = Registered Mail (USA Only)
$19.00 = Registered Mail to Canada
Just $2.00 First Class to Canada!
Please allow a little time for me to invoice you!
_____________________________________________
OVERSEAS ORDERS
$3.50 Airmail For Overseas shipping & handling for regular sized covers!
Large covers will be a dollar more. $2.00 more if much larger.
(You can pay for Registered Mail for any purchase of any amount.
Recommended if you live in a country where item's are lost much of the time.)
Buy as many items as you wish with NO additional
shipping charges per package up to $75.00 in value!
Just $25.00 For Registered Mail! Multiple items may be combined,
and may cost up to $28.00 total in some cases.
SUGGESTED / REQUIRED FOR ITEMS OVER $75.00 Going Outside the USA.
CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR COUNTRY TRACKS REGISTERED MAIL!
Only 35 do!
I Sell All Kinds of Postal History & Some other things too!
1800's stampless, 19th Century stamps on and off cover,
Stamp Dealer Covers, FDC's, Collins' covers, Disinfected mail,
DPO's, RFD's, single prexie and multiple prexies
usages, Transatlantic airmails and ship covers, fancy cancels, naval,
world exposition, celebrity, aviation and space autographs,
Advertising, Airmail, Graf Zeppelins, USS Akron & USS
Macon, Railroad RPO / RMS and more!
Follow my listings to see more of them! They will be priced to sell!
NEW AUCTION LISTINGS -Usually 3 Days a Week!
Shippipng is usually within 36 hours.