One of the glasses worn by Mahatma Gandhi were recently auctioned in the United Kingdom for 260,000 pounds (Rs 2,55,00,463). East Bristol Auctions was the company that sold the glasses to a collector and shared the viral moment on Instagram.

They revealed that the auction happened online via video calling. The viral moment was shared with the caption: “See the moment Mahatma Gandhi’s Glasses sell for £260,000 – we found them just 4 weeks ago in our letterbox, left there by a gentleman whose uncle had been given them by Gandhi himself. An incredible result for an incredible item! Thanks to all those who bid (sic).”

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe revealed an interesting story regarding the auction of glasses.

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The iconic circular glasses were found by the staff of the East Bristol Auctions in their letterbox a few weeks ago along with a note. They were left there by the owner, who is an elderly man from Mangotsfield, a village near Bristol city, towards the southwest of England. He said its “life-changing for his family,” a sum he will split with his daughter.

The glasses were kept in a plain envelope and stayed in the letterbox through the weekend. Stowe said, “It’s a phenomenal result! These glasses have been lying in a drawer for the best part of fifty years. The vendor literally told me to throw them away if they were ‘no good’.”

On doing further research, Stowe realized that the note was correct and it was indeed Mahatma Gandhi’s glasses. Stowe, initially thought that the glasses would be sold at 15,000 pounds (Rs 14,71,180). But much to his surprise, they were sold at Rs 2,55,00,463 to an American collector.

Stowe said, “Now the owner 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.”

He added, “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. It’s been a complete honour to handle these spectacles and find them a new home. These glasses represent not only an auction record for us, but a find of international historical importance. Gandhi’s glasses have surpassed all expectations, and previous house records. It’s been a great day!”

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