Five (5) Black Americana advertising chromolithograph prints titled "The Cake Walk No. 1-5", originally published as advertising signs for the Old Virginia Cheroots Company, 1899. Each print depicts two well-dressed African American couples engaged in a cake walk or dancing contest. Matted and housed under glass in burled wood frames with gilt rabbet edge. Image – 16" H x 16 5/8" W. Sight – 17 3/8" H x 18 1/4" W. Framed – 21 3/8" H x 22" W. Note: The original advertising signs include a notice advising that the image can be obtained without the lettering if "Ten 10 Old Virginia Wrappers" were sent to the American Tobacco Company address. Provenance: The collection of internationally known ragtime pianist and historian Johnny Maddox, Gallatin, TN. CONDITION: Overall very good condition with foxing spots, toning to be expected from age. Tears, largest 2 3/4", primarily to edges of prints. Two areas of dampstaining, largest 2 1/2" x 2 1/2", right edge of "No. 5" print.