This 285-year-old Lemon Sold For Rs 1.5 Lakh, It Is Not A Drill

In the realm of auctions, where rarity and prestige intersect, an exclusive class of items has long piqued the interest of collectors and connoisseurs alike. These extraordinary artifacts, embellished with opulence and steeped in history, have fetched record-breaking prices, grabbing headlines worldwide. From magnificent jewels to unique paintings, high-end auctions unveil a world where the exceptional becomes true.

But among these extraordinary artifacts, have you ever heard of an auction for fruits or vegetables that date back hundreds of years? Yes, we aren’t kidding. Recently, a 285-year-old lemon found in the back of an old cabinet drawer went under the hammer ‘for a bit of fun’ but sparked a stunning bidding war. Nestled within a 19th-century cabinet, this unique dried citrus fruit was around 2 inches wide and brown with age, as the message engraved on it suggests it’s from 1739!

The family brought it to the Brettells Auctioneers in Shropshire, UK to sell the chest, who inherited it from a late uncle. They were stunned to learn what had been inside it all this time. As per the media outlet UPI, a specialist was photographing the cabinet when the lemon was found in the back of a drawer.

The auctioneers thought a 19th-century chest may be valuable, so they took it to an auctioneer with an estimate of £40–£60 (about Rs 4,000–Rs 6,000). But, to everyone’s shock, the lemon fetched a whopping £1,416 (approximately Rs 1.48 Lakh), as reported by UPI. Yes, you read that right.

Take a look at the years old lemon:

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The message, carved on the dried citrus fruit reads, “Given By Mr P Lu Franchini Nov 4 1739 to Miss E Baxter.”

According to the media outlet The Sun, the cabinet is believed to have been carried as a romantic gift from colonial India to England. Auctioneer David Brettell said, “We thought we’d have a bit of fun and put it (lemon) in the auction with an estimate of £40-£60 (about Rs 4,000- Rs 6,000).”

However, it sold for £1,100 (Rs 1,16,175), plus fees, for a total of £1,416 (approximately Rs 1,49,000) in Newport, Shropshire. The cabinet brought in just £32 (Rs 3,379).