Gold-plated glasses worn by Indian independence figure Gandhi goes for over $475,000 at auction

A pair of glasses worn by Mahatma Gandhi has sold at auction for over $475,000, more than 17 times its original estimated price.

A pair of eyeglasses that are believed to have once belonged to Mohandas Gandhi are laid out on display Source: East Bristol Auctions

A pair of gold-plated glasses worn by Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi has sold in Britain for £260,000 (over AU$475,000), the auction house said.

"We found them just four weeks ago in our letterbox, left there by a gentleman whose uncle had been given them by Gandhi himself," East Bristol Auctions wrote on Instagram after the sale late Friday.

"An incredible result for an incredible item! Thanks to all those who bid."

Gandhi was known for giving out old or unwanted pairs to those in need or those who had helped him.

The non-violent protestor gave the glasses to the vendor's uncle while he was working for British Petroleum in South Africa during the 1920s or 30s, said the auction house.

A pair of Mahatma Gandhi's glasses which are being auctioned after an auction house found them stuffed in an envelope and hanging out of their letterbox. Source: Press Association

The sale price smashed the original estimate of around £15,000.

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe told UK Sky News earlier this month that the vendor had told him: "If they're no good, just throw them away."

When he suggested they might be worth £15,000, "I think he nearly fell off his chair."