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Spectacles worn by Gandhiji to be put on auction in UK.


London: Gold Plated Spectacles which is believed to be worn by Mahatma Gandhiji and which was presented as a gift in 1900s have now been put on UK auction, the estimated price range is around £10,000 to £15,000 i.e. around (₹9,80,500 – ₹14,70,800).

East Bristol Auctions in Hanham, south-west England, said on Sunday that they were pleasantly surprised to find that the spectacles, dropped through their letterbox in an envelope, may have such a rich history behind it.
“It’s a huge find of great historical importance.”

Spectacles worn by Gandhiji to be put on auction in UK. - The Wall Post
Spectacles worn by Gandhiji to be put on auction in UK.

The vendor had presumed them to be interesting, but of no value and did tell me to dispose of them ‘if they’re not worth anything’, said auctioneer Andy Stowe of East Bristol Auctions.

“I think he nearly fell off his chair when we presented our valuation.
It’s a really great auction story – and one that we all dream of,”
he said.

The Spectacles have already reached to £6,000 in an online auction, it is said it was in the house of unnamed elderly gentleman vendor in UK, the father told his that it presented as a gift to his uncle when he was working for British Petroleum in South Africa between 1910 and 1930.

“The vendor’s uncle definitely worked for British Petroleum in South Africa, and I believe Gandhi didn’t wear glasses until the late 1910s early 1920s,” says Stowe in reference to the provenance of the glasses, which are likely to be one of Gandhi’s earliest pairs during his time in South Africa.

“The story that appears with the lot is exactly what the vendor told us, and exactly what was told to him by his father some 50 years ago,” explains Stowe.

The lot with the title, “ Pair of Mahatma Gandhi’s Personal Spectacles” the online slaw will undergo the hammer on August 21st.

A pair of early 20th century 1920 gold plated circular rimmed spectacles by repute owned and worn by Mahatma Gandhi,” notes the auction lot details.

Spectacles worn by Gandhiji to be put on auction in UK.
In Photo: Mahatma Gandhiji

“The spectacles of usual form, with sprung gold plated arms and prescription lenses.

“The uncle working for British Petroleum at the time and was stationed in South Africa, and it can be presumed that these were gifted by way of thanks from Gandhi for some good deed. A note from the vendor is included,” the auction lot adds.

He is known to have handed over his personal items as gifts to admirers and a number of similar items have gone on the auction over the years.

Source: PTI and Indian Express