McCoy, Millie & Christine. (1851-1912)
Two Signed Photographs, Chromolithographic card, and Unsigned Photograph
An interesting collection of original images of the conjoined twins Millie and Christine, who were born into slavery in North Carolina in 1851, taken from their parents and sold three or four times, stolen and retrieved, placed on display at fairs and "freak-shows" from New Orleans to as far as Canada. At one time, after being sold to J.P. Smith, they were kidnapped and taken to England. They were retrieved by Smith with the aid of their mother and brought back to North Carolina in 1857 and taught by Smith to read and write as well as sing and dance and the twins composed original music for their act. They were widely celebrated as "The Two-Headed Nightingale" and appeared with Barnum's circus. In 1869, a biography of the twins, "History and Medical Description of the Two-Headed Girl," was published and sold during their public appearances.Large cabinet photograph on the original card mount with the imprint of photographer Wendt of Boonton, NJ. Signed "Millie-Christine" pencil on reverse. Np, circa 1870s. Very fine condition. 10.5 x 16.5 cm.
Original CDV photograph by Temple of Art, Philadelphia circa 1870s. Signed "Millie-Christine" in pencil on reverse. An unusual image of the twins seated, one of them playing a guitar. 6.5 x 10.5 cm.
Original CDV photograph by Germon's of Philadelphia, circa 1870s. Corners trimmed to rounded, inscribed in pencil lower margin and verso "Millie Christine / Two Headed Girl". 6.5 x 10.5 cm.
"Millie Christine, The Renowned Two Headed Lady. 8th Wonder of the World." Chromolithographic card, 5-1/2 x 3-3/8 inches. Cincinnati, circa 1883. Long and sensational description of the twins and their act on the reverse. At this time they were part of a revue the 'John B. Doris Great Inter-Ocean, Largest and Best Show on Earth.' The card has been laminated but is otherwise in very good condition. (8290)
Signed Photograph Song