Today they are so often superfluous, but once upon a time business cards symbolized the relationships customers had with their insurance reps, their tailors, their funeral homes and everything else under the sun. Business cards were the way many regular folks kept track of who to call on when services were needed. As such, companies often took the time to design elegant and striking business cards. Have a look at some of the beautiful and forgotten business card designs of the past.

Via/ Flickr

Via/ Flickr

Via/ Flickr

This business card is printed on the back of a photograph and framed. Via/ Flickr

Jewelry store business card from the 1940s. Via/ Flickr