This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2024
Mahatma Gandhi Owned & Worn Spectacles.
A Pair of circa 1910 German made sun glasses / sunglasses, once owned and worn by Mahatma Gandhi.
Delicate gold plated arms, with frameless octagonal 'tear drop' shaped lenses, Bakelite nose rests, and black-dipped ear supports. Housed within their original lined case, with original label to interior, which bears a hand inscription in ink 'To Mr Shankaran, From Mrs Gandhi '.
Both arms engraved 'Made In Germany.' The spectacles remain in good structural condition, but the gold plating has worn away in places, and the rubberized arm-ends have deteriorated. It is possible that the glasses are made frameless, so that they may be slipped over a normal pair of spectacles (Gandhi's iconic glasses). A unique and historically important lot.
Provenance: (From the vendor) “My Grandfather was born in 1910. From his young age, he was a Freedom fighter and he participated in many protests in India during the Independence era. In 1939 he was associated in non-violent protest in Rajkot along with Kasturba Gandhi and was arrested and in 1942 he also participated in the Quit India Movement, along with Mahatma Gandhi and was jailed again. He also had close association with Mr Gandhi's secretary Mahadev Desai. Kasturba Gandhi (Gandhi's wife) gifted these frameless sunglasses to Gandhi during his trip to South Africa 1893-1912, during his young age Mr Gandhi used to wear blazers and suits during his trips abroad. Mr Gandhi & Mrs. Kasturba Gandhi gifted these glasses to my grandfather as a gift in 1939-40 (not sure about the exact year) after his jail term for organizing a rally in Rajkot (Gujarat) and effectively participating in the Quit India Movement, in Bombay. They were then passed down to me when my Grandfather passed away and have been in my possession ever since.
A pair of Gandhi spectacles have sold for £260,000 in a previous auction, making this lot an incredible buy for any collector.
Authentication: Letter of Provenance and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.