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Lot 140

[MUSIC - McKOY, Millie and Christine (1851-1912)]. Printed card advertising performances by the "Carolina Twins" Millie and Christine.
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Estimate
$250 - 350
Price Realized
$476
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[MUSIC - McKOY, Millie and Christine (1851-1912)]. Printed card advertising performances by the "Carolina Twins" Millie and Christine.

2 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. advertisement printed on thin cardstock (toning, otherwise near excellent). Obverse features depictions of the conjoined twins performing acts from their show. Reverse with heading, "Don't Fail to See Millie Christine. A Famous Woman," with accompanying details about Millie Christine.

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.
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