In the latest oddities of auctions, a 285-year-old lemon was sold for $1800 at a public auction in Britain, proving that a dried lemon nearly three centuries old is a heritage treasure. It was sold for over £1400 (approximately $1800) at the auction. Although the intention of auctioning the lemon was meant to be lighthearted and amusing, it sparked a fierce bidding war among potential buyers.
The dried fruit, measuring 2 inches (5 cm) in size, was discovered in a cabinet during a cleanout of a home. The homeowners were sorting through their uncle's belongings when they found a cabinet dating back to the 19th century, which they believed held value, prompting them to take it to an auctioneer. The surprise came when an auction specialist found the lemon at the back of one of the drawers while photographing the cabinet for sale.
An inscription carved into the lemon's peel reads, "Gift from Mr. P. Le Franchini on November 4, 1739, to Miss E. Baxter." It is believed that the lemon was brought to England from India as a romantic gift. Auctioneer David Brittle stated, "We thought we would have some fun and auction it off with a starting price of £40 to £60. But it sold for £1416." The cabinet was sold for only £32 ($40). Brittle believes the lemon fetched such a high price because it is unlikely that something like it will ever be sold at auction again, according to the British newspaper "The Sun."
