George Whitney like other american valentine makers, imported his lace paper and embossed envelopes from England, and his coloured scraps and ornaments from Germany. His valentines resemble very closely those of Esther Howland, and there is no doubt that he copied from her, even in the method of marking. Whitney's Valentines show a small red 'W' stamped on the back, which match Howlands 'H' in size and style. (The Valentine and Its Origins. Frank Staff. p. 97). Howland sold out to George Whitney in 1880-81.