Dec 10, 2025
“He sent in his card with a message” [CROO]
In our own digital age, business cards are nearly artifacts of
the past. And calling cards? They're so outdated we had to create
this episode.
Numerous individuals in the Sherlock Holmes stories present
their cards to Sherlock Holmes and Holmes presents his card to a
few people as well. What's the history behind calling cards and
visiting cards and how did they play into the stories? It's just a
Trifle.
We have bonus content for our supporters: images of Victorian
calling cards that might surprise you.
If you have a question for us, please email us at trifles@ihearofsherlock.com. If you use your inquiry on the show, we'll send you a thank you gift.
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Trifles" — short-form content that doesn't warrant a full episode,
released at the beginning of every month. The latest episode
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Links
- Calling Cards and Visiting Cards: A Brief History (Hoban Cards)
- Calling Cards & Paying Calls: Social Etiquette in Georgian England (Paullett Golden)
- The Gentleman's Guide to the Calling Card (Art of Manliness)
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- Email us at trifles @ ihearofsherlock.com
Music credits
Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber OrchestraPublisher Info.: Washington, DC: United States Marine Band.
Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0