Three-Dimensional Valentine Card, "To My Sweetheart," circa 1925

01

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 1925

Subject Date

circa 1925

Place of Creation

Creator Notes

Created in Germany by an unidentified maker

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2008.103.11

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Virginia Kent Graybill

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Die cutting

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 5.5 in (irregular)
Width: 2.75 in (irregular)

Inscriptions

Printed on sign held by boy: To my / Sweetheart Printed at bottom, on swan and in water: This Valentine / comes from a / Heart that is true, / And faithful, and loving / forever to you.