Mahatma Gandhi's will and sandals auctioned in Ludlow

Mahatma Gandhi's last will and testament has sold at auction for £55,000.

The two-page document written in Gujarati, was one of 50 items of Gandhi memorabilia, including a blood sample and his sandals up for sale.

The guide price for the will, signed by Gandhi in his Gujarati signature, was between £30,000 and £40,000.

His sandals sold for £19,000 at Ludlow Racecourse in Shropshire, £9,000 more than their asking price.

The sample of blood on a microscope slide which he gave to a friend after an appendix operation in the 1920s, failed to sell, auctioneers Mullock's said.

The two-page document written in Gujarati, was one of 50 items of Gandhi memorabilia, including a blood sample and his sandals up for sale.

The guide price for the will, signed by Gandhi in his Gujarati signature, was between £30,000 and £40,000.

His sandals sold for £19,000 at Ludlow Racecourse in Shropshire, £9,000 more than their asking price.

The sample of blood on a microscope slide which he gave to a friend after an appendix operation in the 1920s, failed to sell, auctioneers Mullock's said.

Analysis

Bob HockenhullReporter, Midlands Today

The auction saw the sale of many of Gandhi's simple possessions including his shawl and sandals.

There were only about 30 bidders at Ludlow Racecourse but the reality was there were scores of other people around the world watching the sale live on the internet - poised to bid thousands of pounds for the artefacts.

Some items, including Gandhi's will, had guide prices of £30,000 to £40,000.

A number of TV cameras were present to record the sale.

Among them was the The Sikh Channel which was also interested in the sale of many rare photographs depicting key events in the religion's history.

From BBC News