text: Long before mobile phones came along - allowing single men and women to flirt behind the comfort of a glowing screen - shy love-seekers had to resort to other tactics. In the case of late 19th-century America, it was the 'escort card' - not to be confused with the explicit sort you might imagine today - but rather a comical printed card men would hand to women they found attractive. Collector Alan Mays has unearthed a treasure trove of these vintage ice-breakers, which bear phrases such as: 'May I be permitted the blissful pleasure of escorting you home this evening?' Scroll down for video . Long before mobile phones came along - allowing single men and women to flirt behind the comfort of a glowing screen - shy love-seekers of the late 19th Century had to resort to other tactics (pictured) These comical printed cards were handed out by men  to women they found attractive . According to The Encyclopedia of Ephemera, there were two types of cards used in the 1870s and 1880s. One was referred to as the 'calling card' and would be used by gentleman to formally introduce themselves to new acquaintances - much like the modern business card. The second, as seen in Mr Mays' collection, was a novelty variety reserved for more casual encounters, namely men seeking the company of women, known as an 'escort card'. 'The device commonly carried a brief message and a simple illustration,' the encyclopaedia states. 'Flirtatious and fun, the acquaintance card brought levity to what otherwise might have seemed a more formal proposal. 'A common means of introduction, it was never taken too seriously.' MessyNessyChic uncovered the collection, calling them an array of 'amusing pick-up lines you’ve not likely heard before while waiting for your drink at the bar'. Rhyming couplets appeared to have been rather popular  in the 19th century according to these cards . The card commonly carried a brief message and a simple illustration . Some were quite specific in their nature - albeit in a very polite way . Many of them have all the flowery but insincere charm of a cheesy modern-day pick-up line. 'Dear Miss: You are sensible and good, you have all the charms of womanhood, your eyes resemble the stars above you, I shall be miserable if I can't love you,' reads one. 'May I see you home? Or will I have to set on the fence and watch you meander by?' reads another. Some were a little more down-to-business. 'I very much desire to make your acquaintance. If agreeable, please return this card, appointing time and place for interview, on the other side,' reads one. Another even blunter card bears the question: 'I am _ who the devil are you?' Several of the cards bear phrases such as: 'May I have the pleasure of seeing you home this evening? If so, keep this card; if not, please return.' Practical, if nothing else. Certain cards were short and to-the-point - including this 'may I. C. U. Home?' card . These 'escort cards' were seen as a more casual version of what we today regard as business cards . This blank card poses, 'Who the devil are you?' This man's intent is made crystal clear by its very title . Many of the cards have all the flowery but insincere charm of a cheesy modern-day pick-up line . 'Two souls with but a single thought; two hearts that beat as one', reads this one . This card addresses its recipient as a 'dear creature' Many carried the disclaimer, 'If so, keep this card, if not, please return it'
target: The cheeky cards were given by men to women in 19th century America .
  Some were romantic in tone, others more blunt - but they were always very polite .
  Many men would ask for the card back in return if they were rejected .