Gadget Mania: Fans of Love - Valentine Card Fans

Yes I do! When you are by I always sigh, Love you that's the reason why No fan can cool my love for you Tis ever steadfast, strong and true My love for you is fond and true, love you dearly 'Yes I do.'

10 3/4" x 8 1/4" opened
circa1900s-1910s
4-Part Fan
by Frances Brundage
Published by Raphael Tuck and Sons, Ltd
marked: Artistic Series
Printed in Saxony

My Heart's with loving wishes and Kindest to my Sweet-heart.

14" x 8 3/4" opened
dated 1911
6-Part Fan
likely by Frances Brundage

Fans have been a popular theme for valentines from the Victorian era through today. This means that the collector must be aware of the many reproductions out there made by companies like the Old Print Factory. These can even appear to have some age as some reproductions were made back in the 1980s (which is longer ago than I usually like to admit to myself). The reproductions I have looked at have the company name printed on the reverse. For this reason, if you find yourself selling your fan valentine on Ebay, it is a good idea to provide an image of the back side as well as of the printed side (and for buyers to request to see such an image prior to purchase). These newer cards do have some value, but it is those made much longer ago that serious collectors really want.

Greeting To my Valentine with fondest Love Ah! Sweet one, thou hast borne away My heart for sweet love's sake Then let me have, I humbly pray, Thine own to take it's place.

8 7/8" x 5 3/4"
circa 1910s
3-Part Fan
embossed detailing
strung on back

The ribbon that strings the parts of a fan together is usually the first to show wear (another good reason for a good look at the card's reverse). While the original ribbon is of course most desirable, cards whose ribbons have deteriorated still hold good value, with unblemished images being of much greater importance.

Sweet-hearts The Flowering Bud and Bloom and Twine Like You 'Rond This Fond Heart of Mine.

12" x 7" opened
circa 1900 -1910
by Raphael Tuck and Sons
6-Part Fan
Marked on painter' palette in the logo: Artistic Series
Appointment listed as: To Their Majesties The King and Queen

Less elaborate fans can also be of interest although they don't command the high price of a multi-part fan. Our personalized fan below has a fringe trim as popularized by lithographer Louis Prang (who is often referred to as the Father of American Christmas Cards). It is double sided, but with name printed on only one side.