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A pair of gold-plated round glasses worn by Mahatma Gandhi throughout his time in South Africa has attracted bids of £50,000 – method over the bottom estimate of £10,000-15,000, its Bristol-based auctioneer confirmed on Monday.
“We’ve had interest from all over the world – India, America, Russia, Canada, Australia, etc”, stated Andy Stowe of East Bristol Auctions. The public sale is to be held on August 21, with the following bid already set at a minimal of £55,000.
The glasses had been despatched final week to the public sale home in an bizarre envelope put in its letter-box by an unnamed vendor who didn’t realise its worth. The glasses had been within the vendor’s household for almost a century, given to his uncle by Gandhi between 1920 and 1930.
The uncle was working with British Petroleum in South Africa, the place Gandhi spent years earlier than returning to India to launch the liberty battle. “It can be presumed that these (glasses) were gifted by way of thanks from Gandhi for some good deed. A note from the vendor is included”, the auctioneer stated.
Stowe stated analysis confirmed the authenticity of the spectacles, calling the merchandise a “special piece”.
The glasses are described by the auctioneer as being “of usual form, with sprung gold plated arms and prescription lenses. Jointed by a gold plated nose bar. The spectacles formed an important and somewhat iconic part of Gandhi’s overall appearance”.
“It was known that he would often give away his old or unwanted pairs to those in need or those who had helped him. A rare and important pair of spectacles”, it added.
Another Bristol-based firm, Paul Fraser Collectibles, has put up for sale cutlery utilized by Gandhi throughout his incarceration on the Aga Khan Palace in Pune and on the home of delivery magnate Sumati Morarjee in Mumbai for £70,000.
The lot on sale since 2014 consists of Gandhi’s metallic meals bowl, two wood spoons and a wood fork.
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