Antique Victorian George C. Whitney Paper-Lace Christmas Card with Nativity – ci

A remarkable original Victorian Christmas card created by the George C. Whitney Company of Worcester, Massachusetts. Dating to approximately the 1870s–1880s, this delicate folding card is an exceptional survivor from the golden age of elaborate paper-lace greetings.
The front features layers of deeply embossed and pierced cream paper lace arranged over soft pink and pale-yellow papers. An applied chromolithographed Nativity scene appears above a religious verse titled “The Birth of Christ.” Tiny dimensional roses and lengths of original silk ribbon complete its intricate presentation.
Inside, one panel features an elegant blind-embossed design with an oval reserve, while the opposite panel holds a colorful bird-and-rose sentiment bearing a tender message of love and devotion.
The reverse bears the small red “W” mark confirmed as an early George C. Whitney maker’s mark, with a small production or design number beneath it. This discreet red mark predates the company’s more familiar later “Whitney Made” imprint.
Details
* Authentic antique Victorian folding greeting card
* Confirmed early George C. Whitney production
* George C. Whitney Company, Worcester, Massachusetts
* Estimated date: circa 1870s–1880s
* Religious Christmas and Nativity theme
* Deeply embossed and pierced paper-lace construction
* Layered cream, pink and pale-yellow papers
* Chromolithographed Nativity illustration
* Printed religious verse titled “The Birth of Christ”
* Original applied silk ribbon
* Dimensional floral embellishments
* Blind-embossed interior panel
* Applied bird-and-rose sentiment inside
* Early red Whitney “W” mark on the reverse
* Unframed and sold individually
Condition
Good antique condition for an exceptionally fragile paper item approximately 140 years old. The card displays age-related discoloration, light foxing, surface wear and minor staining. Some sections of the delicate paper lace are broken, lifted or missing, and the original ribbon shows expected fraying and discoloration.
The folding construction remains intact, and the principal lacework, Nativity illustration, printed poem and interior sentiment are beautifully preserved. No restoration has been performed.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Estimated Collector Value: $50–$65
Rescued and Reimagined Relics, LLC Price: $48.00
Its confirmed early Whitney origin, elaborate dimensional construction, intact folding format and desirable religious Christmas subject make this a special addition to a collection of Victorian ephemera, antique greeting cards, Christmas memorabilia or George C. Whitney paper goods.
Return Policy Terms and Conditions: See Terms and Conditions Page.