The calling cards Masons carried during the period between the American Civil War and World War I represent an era that many consider the peak of letterpress printing and engraving. Combining art, form, function and the rich visual tradition of Freemasonry, these cards are among the most beautiful examples of a bygone era.

The Masonic calling cards that The Norlu Press prints evoke that era, and are available at a reasonable cost. Printed with antique metal types and engravings on a press that was built in 1863, these cards are an understated complement to the fraternal nature of Masonic membership.

They are printed on premium 100% cotton Natural White 110lb Cover Basis paper, which features a texture of light flannel. The classic black ink is printed with enough pressure that you can see the debossed effect on both the front and, to a lesser degree, on the back. Size is 3.5" wide x 2" tall (same as a standard modern business card).

All printing at The Norlu Press is customizable and I enjoy working with individuals to create just the right look and feel. If you prefer this approach, please select the "Custom" option before you order. Alternatively, to simplify the process, I have developed two basic templates to help you order your Masonic Calling Cards without having to request a custom order.

Start by choosing one of two overall styles:

-- Style A - Typography reflects early 20th Century style and allows for more text (name plus up to four lines).
-- Style B - Typography limited to a 19th Century script and allows for name plus only two lines of text.

Next, add an ornament from my existing collection. (If you have an image that is of sufficient quality, I can usually have an engraving made of it for an additional cost and print it on your cards. Please send me a message through Etsy or e-mail me at jamesdirisio [!at] gmail.com to discuss.) Currently available ornaments are shown in one of the photos that accompanies this listing and include:

-- Square and Compasses with "G" (approx 1/4" square)
-- Double-Headed Eagle (Southern Jurisdiction) (approx 7/8" tall)
-- Double-Headed Eagle (Northern Jurisdiction) (approx 1/2" tall)
-- Royal Arch Keystone (approx 1/2" in height)
-- Cross and Crown (approx 3/8" wide)
-- Specify Other and contact me for other ornament selections (select special order)

When you order, you will be prompted to select either Style A or Style B and an ornament. Also, please include the text (name, address, e-mail, phone, lodge affiliation, etc.) that you want printed on the cards and select an ornament.

I print on a variety of economical and premium papers, with a desire to make quality printed cards, stationery and ephemera that meet the needs of many customers. If you desire your cards on different paper, please check out the other listings.

Be assured that these are true letterpress cards made by a craftsman with early industrial age technology. I am a second generation letterpress printer and printed my first job for the Masons in Fairport, New York in 1979 at the age of 15. I would be honored to print your calling cards.