Description:

MOHANDAS K. GANDHI
(1869 - 1948) Indian nationalist and spiritual leader considered the father of his country, Gandhi's philosophy of passive resistance and non-violence set the stage for the British withdrawal from and independence of India. Especially rare photograph SIGNED TWICE, in both Hindi and English, New Delhi, June 24, 1947. The great spiritual and national leader signs a printed image of himself affixed to a 5.75 x 4.25 in card, the photo showing Gandhi between Lord Louis Mountbatten and his wife, Edwina. The French caption on the photo indicates that this was the first time that Mountbatten, Viceroy of Inia, met Gandhi. The photo is accompanied by a June 7, 1947 sent to the original owner of this piece by AMRIT KAUR (1887–1964), an Indian activist and politician, and Gandhi's secretary for 16 years. Written in French, it reads in part: '...Mr. Gandhi has received your letter and the photograph on which you require his countersignature. He regrets it is not possible for him to oblige you because he never gives his autograph without receiving something for the cause of the 'Harijians' which he has hoped for a long time. You have to pay six Swiss francs for the autograph. I hope you understand how impossible it is to sign the photographs without something...' In a later letter to the same collector, it's stated that the 'donation' had been received and that two signed photos were forthcoming. Both pieces are in fine condition. A similar portrait signed twice by Gandhi brought $37,500 at Christie's. With Spence certificate. 1947 was a monumental year for India. Over 500,000 were killed in riots over the partition of India between Muslim and Hindu states, a plan that Mountbatten had announced three weeks before Gandhi signed this photo. On August 15th, India would gain its independence, but Gandhi spent the day spinning and fasting in an appeal for peace. He would be assassinated less than seven months later.

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December 6, 2024 10:00 AM EST
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