Recently Appraised: Signed First Edition of Gandhi’s “The Story of My Experiments with Truth”
At DJR Authentication, we recently had the privilege of appraising a remarkable historical artifact—a signed first edition of Mahatma Gandhi’s The Story of My Experiments with Truth, published in 1927 by Navajivan Press, Ahmedabad. This first volume of Gandhi’s autobiography, featuring his personal reflections on his life and philosophy, is considered one of the most important works of the 20th century, making this signed copy an extraordinary find.
Item Overview
This 1927 first edition of Gandhi’s famous autobiography chronicles his journey from his early years in India to his experiences in South Africa, leading to the foundation of his nonviolent resistance movement. This particular copy is especially valuable because it includes Gandhi’s signature in Devanagari script, signed next to a sepia-toned photograph of him on the first page of the book.
Condition of the Book
As with many items of this age, the book shows visible signs of wear, particularly around the cover and spine. Browning and foxing (spotting caused by age and exposure to air) are present on several pages, especially near the photograph and title page. Despite these signs of aging, the spine remains intact, and the signature itself is clear and legible, which significantly enhances the book's value.
Historical Significance
Gandhi's autobiography is much more than a historical document; it is a philosophical work that offers insights into his development of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance). Signed copies of his works, especially first editions, are highly sought after by collectors of political and historical memorabilia due to Gandhi's enduring legacy as one of the most influential figures in history.
Provenance
While limited information was provided about the book's ownership history, signed copies of The Story of My Experiments with Truth are known to be extremely rare, particularly in this condition. The Navajivan Press imprint and other identifying marks confirm its authenticity as a first edition. However, further research into the book’s provenance could provide additional context and potentially increase its value even further.
Appraised Value
Given the significance of this item, DJR Authentication has provided the following value estimates:
Fair Market Value (FMV): $50,000 - $100,000
Insurance Replacement Value (IRV): $70,000 - $120,000
These estimates are based on comparisons with similar signed historical works, the condition of the book, and the clarity of Gandhi’s signature. Signed copies of Gandhi’s autobiography have consistently commanded high prices at auctions, particularly when authenticated as first editions.
Before You Act
Signed historical books and documents carry layered risk—edition status, signature legitimacy, condition sensitivity, and provenance all materially affect outcome. Even authentic items can lose value if assumptions are made too early or documentation is handled incorrectly.
If uncertainty exists, many owners begin with an Online Fast Opinion to determine whether further appraisal, authentication, or restraint is appropriate before any sale, insurance, or institutional submission.
