Issued in 1911 or 1912 with packages of Between the Acts Little Cigars this set featured a checklist of 50 stage actors depicted in full-color portraits surrounded by an ornate gold "frame" that was set on a black background. The reverse includes biographical information on the subject along with a small ad for Between the Acts Little Cigars. The result is a grouping of beautiful dramatic and colorful cards that appear as if they could be mounted above a fireplace mantel. Due to the deep black borders these cards are especially condition-sensitive prone to chipping and more visible edge wear than other cards of the era.Representing just a little over 20% of the set the cards included in the collection are as follows: H.C. Barnabee (G) Lawrence Barrett (F crease across center and staining on reverse) David Belasco (G wrinkle down front) David Belasco (VG) Peter Dailey (F corner creasing and general wear) Eddie Foy (F corner creasing and wrinkle across card face) James Hackett (F general creasing and wear with smudging on the reverse) Edward Harrigan (F wrinkling at borders and small staining on reverse) Wilton Lackaye (G/VG; small creases near left border) Robert Mantell (F some creasing at borders with significant chipping) John McCullough (P significant creasing). An interesting and attractive collector-grade group of non-sports cards. From the Rudy Strejc Collection.