Chang and Eng were born in Siam (now Thailand) in 1811 and connected by a short band of flesh in the chest area and barely escaped death by execution by order of King Rama II. When they became teenagers, the brothers began traveling around the world with two agents. The twins became well known, and the use of the term “siamese twins” to describe conjoined siblings resulted from their fame. They retired to Traphill, NC and married the Yates sisters in 1840, and produced 21 children between them. The brothers lived in separate houses, spending three days apiece at each house. They died in 1874, at the age of 63. Chang predeceased Eng by two and a half hours. Autopsy results showed that Chang died of a blood clot, and although never officially confirmed, many indications are that Eng died of shock. Ink signatures, “Eng Bunker” and “Chang Bunker” below the pre-printed aphorism “Admiration without love is sunshine without rain,” on an off-white 4.25 x 3 card. Double matted with a book photo of the pair and an informational plaque, to an overall size of 12 x 8. In fine condition, with scattered light foxing and soiling and a small stain affecting the ‘g’ of Chang’s signature. RRAuction COA.
