Gandhi’s iconic glasses sell for £260,000 at auction
A PAIR of spectacles belonging to Mahatma Gandhi sold for £260,000 at auction yesterday – 26 times their guide price.
The gold-coloured glasses, which were sold to a collector in America, were expected to fetch £10,000.
The glasses were gifted to the current owner’s uncle by the famous leader during a trip to South Africa in the 1920s.
The rare item was then passed down through the generations before ending up at an auction house in Bristol.
Gandhi, who led the campaign for Indian independence from British rule in the 20th century by using nonviolent resistance, developed a distinctive look in later life, which included the iconic glasses.
Andrew Stowe, from East Bristol Auctions, said: “It’s a phenomenal result. These glasses have been lying in a drawer for the best part of 50 years.
“The vendor literally told me to throw them away if they were ‘no good’. Now he gets a life-changing sum of money.
“It’s the good-news story that we all want – as an elderly gentleman, our vendor has probably had a rough time in recent months and to be able to change his life is just incredible. The price is outstanding, but it’s not about the money. We had interest from all over the world – bids came from India, Qatar, American, Russia and Canada.
“It’s completely spellbinding – and a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
Mr Stowe said that Gandhi was known to give away his personal possessions to those who helped him. He added: “The uncle in question worked for British Petroleum at the time, and the family legend was that he had helped Gandhi in some way during his visit and in return for the favour, he was gifted these glasses.
“The owner had no idea of their value, and would’ve been quite happy to receive £50 for them, I’m sure.
“When I told him of the valuation, the line went quiet for a moment – he was rather surprised. It’s always a complete joy to make these discoveries.”
Lots relating to Gandhi have good form at auction, with a shawl worn by him selling in 2013 for £40,000 and a pair of well-worn sandals for £13,000.