American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

Sale 1310

Live

| Cincinnati

Feb 27 | 10:00 AM EST

Live

| Cincinnati

Lot 139

[MUSIC - EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Two photographs of African American conjoined twins Millie-Christine.

Lot 139

[MUSIC - EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Two photographs of African American conjoined twins Millie-Christine.

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $400 - $600

Estimate$400 – $600

Status

Closed

[MUSIC - EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Two photographs of African American conjoined twins Millie-Christine.

CDV, studio view of Millie-Christine, with a guitar at their side. Philadelphia, PA: W.L. Germon's Temple of Art, n.d., ca 1870s. 2 3/8 x 3 5/8 in. CDV on cardstock mount (toning, soiling, small surface abrasion to print). Photographer's imprint and lightly penciled identification on verso. -- Cabinet card, studio portrait of Millie-Christine. Boonton, NJ: Wendt, n.d., ca 1890s. 3 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. cabinet photograph on cardstock mount (light toning, spotting/soiling to print and mount, edge wear to mount). Photographer's imprint on mount recto and period identification on verso.

Born into enslavement on a plantation in southeastern North Carolina, the conjoined twins were sold several times while children and abducted twice by people looking to exploit them. Eventually, they came to be enslaved by Joseph Smith who toured the sisters through the United States, Canada, and Europe. They were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and continued to tour internationally. The talented singers were successful enough to purchase the property where they were born and build a grand home where they lived until their death. In early October 1912, Millie died after contracting tuberculosis. Christine was unable to be safely separated and died the next day. Though they had separate personalities, they were often referred to with one name, "Millie-Christine" and are themselves quoted as saying, "Although we speak of ourselves in the plural, we feel as but one person."

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email historicalephemera@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

katiehorstman@freemansauction.com 513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

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American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

[MUSIC - EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Two photographs of African American conjoined twins Millie-Christine.

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