Very rare photo of the Great Layton, an African American wire balancing performer in the late 1800s and early 1900s, shown here doing his act, with his advertising banner visible on the left. Layton appears to have signed the back of the photo in ink.
Around 1906-1908, Layton was part of a the Rufus Rastus Minstrel troupe, who travelled the United States. I couldn't find much info about him after that time.
This is the only cabinet photo I have ever seen for sale of this performer. It was probably one of a small handful made as part of a promo for a small show.
NOTE! This listing shows a scan of an article I found online. The clipping is shown in this listing for reference only, and the original article is not included. My scan shows the front and back of the same photo, plus the scan of the article.
Image including its mount is approximately 4.5" x 3.5".
Boxed & signed Priority Mail.