This Aesthetic Movement silver plate calling card stand from our collection at Chateau-sur-Mer was made around 1880 by the Connecticut-based Derby Silver Company. It takes the form of oak branches – with a perched butterfly along the bottom and a pair of owls at the top – supporting a fan-shaped tray to hold cards. The tray is decorated with an incised bamboo shoot, lily-of-the valley stem, daisies and a musical staff with notes, all on a stamped ground. In keeping with its decoration and use, the tray is inscribed with the pun “Should Owl’d Acquaintance be Forgot.” (Gift of Mrs. Janice Wiseman) #NewportMansions #chateausurmer #friday #funfactfriday #thegildedage #gildedage #gildedagemansion #gildedagemansions #history