American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Sale 2057

Live

| Cincinnati

Oct 25 | 10:00 AM EDT

Live

| Cincinnati

Lot 489

[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. MCKOY, Millie and Christine. Autographed cabinet card of the famous conjoined twins from North Carolina. New York: Eisenmann, ca 1890s.

Lot 489

[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. MCKOY, Millie and Christine. Autographed cabinet card of the famous conjoined twins from North Carolina. New York: Eisenmann, ca 1890s.

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $400 - $600

Estimate$400 – $600

Status

Closed

[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. MCKOY, Millie and Christine. Autographed cabinet card of the famous conjoined twins from North Carolina. New York: Eisenmann, ca 1890s.

3 3/4 x 5 3/8 in. albumen photograph on cardstock mount with Eisemann's gilt imprint on recto and period inked identification, "Millie - Christine," on verso. The sisters appear in identical striped dresses, standing in a studio next to a pillar.

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."

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Significant toning and soiling/spotting to print. Mount with wear to edges and corners including a few creases to upper right, and some fading to gilt imprint.

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.

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Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Katie Horstman

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

[email protected]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

[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. MCKOY, Millie and Christine. Autographed cabinet card of the famous conjoined twins from North Carolina. New York: Eisenmann, ca 1890s.

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