While Gandhi is one of the most revered figures of the 20th century, it turns out that no one is really interested in paying enough to own a blood sample from the late Indian leader. Two microscope slides that supposedly contained blood samples failed to go to any collector at a U.K. sale where other personal items were sold.
Reuters reports that the two slides were taken in 1924, after Ghandi had just had an appendectomy near Mumbai. It is believed that the father of Indian independence donated blood to a family at the hospital. Mullock’s auctioneers was expecting it to go for anywhere between $15,200 and $22,800.
“To Gandhi devotees, it has the same status as a sacred relic to a Christian," said Richard Westwood-Brookes, Mullock’s historical documents expert, told Reuters. “It is an artefact which is revered by disciples of Gandhi, particularly in India and therefore that is the sort of person who would go for it.”
Despite Westwood-Brookes’ lofty statements about the blood samples, no one at the auction today was willing to even meet the $15,155 reserve price, reports The Associated Press.
Still, 50 other personal items from Gandhi sold for a combined $435,000. Other items up fro sale included a handwritten will, a pair of sandals and a shawl.