Despite a public outcry in India, an auction of Mahatma Gandhi's iconic round glasses, pocket watch and some of his personal belongings will go ahead, the city-based Antiquorum Auctioneers said on Monday.
Gandhi's glasses, pocket watch, a pair of sandals and a plate and bowl will go on auction on Thursday and is expected to fetch between US $ 20,000 and USD 30,000.
A spokesperson of auctioneers said the auction will go ahead. He said they have not been contacted by any representative of the Indian government. But sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told PTI that Antiquorum would not agree to a negotiated price and would like the government or anyone else to bid at the auction if they are interested in taking the items. However, the buyer can donate the items to a museum if the person so desires.
Mahatma Gandhi's silver Zenith pocket watch (circa1910-1915) is among the collection of more than 400 time pieces from across the globe that would be auctioned during two-day event on March 4 and 5.
The pocket watch was given by Gandhi to his grand niece Abha Gandhi. Also offered as part of the lot are Gandhi's sandals, glasses, bowl and plate which will come with a letter of authenticity.
The auction also include a watch that belonged to former US President John F Kennedy and later Aristotle Onassis.