Valentine, "Bank of True Love," circa 1852

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Artifact Overview

The custom of sending messages of affection on February 14 dates back to Roman times, when mid-February was a time to meet and court prospective mates. The earliest American valentines were labors of love, handmade by the sender. The spread of commercially produced valentines in the second half of the nineteenth century made sending and receiving Valentine's Day cards a more lighthearted activity.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Valentine

Date Made

circa 1852

Creator Notes

Published by Richard Marsh, New York, New York.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.0.540.683

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Engraving (Printing process)

Dimensions

Height: 3.25 in
Width: 7.125 in

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