Description:

MOHANDAS K. GANDHI SPINNING WHEEL
A truly important and historical piece, a peti charkha, or portable spinning wheel, presented by Mohandas Gandhi to close Indian supporters of independence in about February, 1932 and very possibly one of his own. This historic relic is constructed of Indian teak, approx. 915 x 233 x 40 mm. when opened, with wooden stretchers (one repaired at central opening), two wheels, one with rotating handle, two compartments with sliding tops, hollow metal handle for the case, and a few accessories. Some cracks to wooden stretchers, minor rust and wear, overall very good. This portable spinning wheel was presented by Gandhi to the daughters of Indian nationalist leader Sailendra Naith Ghose (1892-1951). As President of the Indian National Congress of America, Ghose advocated for his friend Mohandas Gandhi to visit the United States to gain sympathy and support for the Indian nationalist movement. In 1931, Ghose sent his wife and two daughters on a visit to London to make a personal appeal to Gandhi, then visiting the city for the Second Roundtable Conference, to make the trip to the U.S. Although Gandhi granted Ghose's daughters, Lilabati and Miriam, a personal meeting, he declined the invitation, citing the more pressing need for action directly in India and noting: '...America is not ready to receive me...' To ameliorate the situation, Gandhi promised the sisters a gift. According to press reports, Lilabati suggested a spinning wheel, something that Gandhi regretted he was unable to offer them at the time. However, soon after their return to the United States in early 1932, Lilabati and Miriam were surprised by a visit from an envoy sent by Gandhi. According to Sailendra Ghose, Gandhi, on the eve of his arrest on 4 January 1932, '...called upon one of his lieutenants to come to America carrying his gift of the spinning wheel and also certain confidential messages to friends here...' (AP, 'Gandhi Sends Spinning Wheel to U.S. Girls,' Kalamazoo Gazette, 11 February 1932, p. 7). Also included is: a 6.5 x 6.75 original British period press photo showing Gandhi in London with Ghose's wife and the two daughters, a copy of an American news article picturing the young girls with their father and this spinning wheel, 'a duplicate of the one he took to the Poona jail...'. A most important and evocative relic from one of the world's most important peacemakers. The peti charkha, invented by Gandhi while he was confined to the Yerwada Central Jain in Maharashtra, India, was a simple device. Essentially a portable spinning wheel, it folds that folds into a compact case with a carrying handle. When unfolded for use, it is operated by turning a small crank, which runs the two wheels and spindle of the device. The peti charkha was iconic. It represented the principles of self-reliance and economic independence that Gandhi promoted, and embodied his independence movement's efforts to minimize reliance upon English imports. A spinning wheel was even incorporated, at Gandhi's suggestion, into the flag of the Indian National Congress, from which the present Indian national flag evolved. This spinning wheel was presented on the Antiques Roadshow aired on 26 January 2015 (Season 2, Episode 28). Provenance: Mohandas Gandhi – (gift to) Lilabatt and Miriam Ghose, thence by descent to the consignor, then sold at Christie's, 2024 to our consignor.

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April 2, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000