In the 1880s Currier & Ives created lithographed prints in a series known as Darktown Comics. These generally featured negative stereotypes of former slaves who moved North after the Civil War. This is the first example of the concept transferred to a ribbon that we have seen. The ribbon is 7" tall with gray dust tone scattered around the center of the upper half of the ribbon showing as a grayer tone. Some additional all over dust but the piece still displays well. Full text top to bottom reads "'Whar Duty Calls Us Dar We Am.'/Darktown/Fire/Brigade And Band/Of Williamsport, Pa./At Johnstown, Pa./October 6,7,8 And 9, 1896." Early pumper is shown at top while below is a group of seven black horn players and one drum player with "Dark Town Band" on his drum head with the group being led by a Grand Marshal holding a baton and wearing a long saber. VG. Rare.