[SYDNEY] A group of personal calling cards collected by politician John Cash Neild of “Greycairn”, Edgecliff Road, Woollahra, 1890s.

Group of 17 (seventeen) lithographically printed calling cards, various dimensions (smallest 40 x 75 mm, largest 57 x 93 mm); a number are annotated, some with PPC (Pour prendre congé, indicating a temporary absence), and several with the name of Major (or Lt. Colonel) Neild; all in good condition, with occasional light marks and toning.

A fascinating little archive which provides us with an insight into the protocols of Sydney society of the 1890s and also into the social circle of the family of John Cash Neild (1846-1911), MLA for Paddington and Major (later Lt. Colonel) in the St George’s English Rifles, a patriotic military unit which he raised himself in Sydney. It includes the personal calling cards of high profile politicians, the vice-consul for Italy, the wife of the French consul, a prominent Anglican clergyman, an academic, and members of the local military and their wives. The cards printed for women are slightly larger “at home” cards which have the times they are able to be visited, for example 1st & 3rd Wednesday.

The cards are for: Major Neild, Commanding, St. George’s Rifles, NSW; Mrs. J. C. Neild, “Greycairn”, Edgecliff Road (annotated Miss Neild); Mrs. William Clarke / Misses Clarke, “Eastbourne”, Darling Point; Dr. V. Marano, Clarendon Terrace, 261 Elizabeth Street, Hyde Park; Mr. Gerald Ross Campbell, Australian Club, Sydney; Revd. Zachary Barry LLD; Sir Alfred Stephen; Mr. Arthur R. Docker, “Alroy”, Edgecliff Road (two examples); Prof. W. H. Warren, University of Sydney; H. H. Walker, Lieutenant, St. George’s Rifles; Captain Baynes, New South Wales Artillery; Mrs. H. Douglas Mackenzie / Miss Mackenzie, “The Bungalow”, Victoria Barracks; Mrs. A. C. K. Mackenzie; Mr. F. C. Stephens, “Edgecliffe”, View Street, Woollahra; Sir Henry Ayers; and Madame Eugène Lucciardi, “Mariola”, Cross Street, Double Bay.