Gandhi’s sunglasses are for sale

By SWNS

Collectors are expected to pay at least $40,000 at auction for a unique pair of Mahatma Gandhi's sunglasses.

The antique, rimless shades feature octagonal hand-cut lenses, specifically made forGandhi decades before his assassination in 1948.

They were given to the seller's grandfather by Kasturba Gandhi – Gandhi’s wife – in around 1910.

Last year two pairs of the Indian leader's spectacles were sold at auction - but it is thought these are the first sunglasses to ever be offered.

Auctioneers say they are also ''one of the earliest pieces of Gandhi memorabilia known to exist."

They come in their original case which has a handwritten label from Kasturba to the vendor’s grandfather.

They are now being sold at East Bristol Auctions in the UK - with full provenance offered.

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: ''These are a remarkable find.

''These sunglasses represent one of the earliest pieces of Gandhi memorabilia known to exist.

''This was a time way before Gandhi became the icon that we now know him as.

''He was around forty-years-old when he wore these, before the struggle for Indian Independence [from British colonialism] had begun.

''Throughout his lifetime Gandhi would quite frequently dish out his personal possessions to anyone who had helped him.

''He lived a simple life and didn’t attribute value to items in the way many of us do nowadays.

''He had very little money and lived by simple means. The only things he owned were often the clothes he stood in.

''So for Gandhi to give you one of his possessions was a great honor.

''If he needed a new pair of glasses, any optician in the world would jump at the chance to make Gandhi’s glasses for free.''

The sunglasses are estimated at £20,000 to £30,000 ( $28,000 to $41,000 USD) and feature as part of East Bristol Auctions’ Military, History & Transportation Auction on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, political activist, and ambassador for peace.

He successfully led the campaign for Indian Independence from British Rule in the mid 20th century and became an inspirational figure for civil rights and freedoms around the world.

He was named as ‘Man Of The Year’ by Time Magazine in 1930 and came runner-up behind Albert Einstein for ‘Person Of The Century’ in 1999.

He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times and is considered to be one of the most iconic figures in modern history.