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285-year-old lemon sold for astounding $1,780

A 285-year-old lemon. — Instagram/@brettellsauction

In an auction market where antique and historic frequently attract enormous prices, an odd object recently appeared on the block and caught the interest of both the public and collectors, India Today reported.

It was something far more surprising than a diamond or an antique relic — a lemon that was 285 years old.

This is a true story that happened in Shropshire, UK, not something out of a fanciful novel. 

A relative who had inherited the lemon from a deceased uncle presented it to Brettells Auctioneers after it was found in the back of a drawer of a 19th century cabinet. 

They had no idea that they had a historic artefact that had been around since George Washington was a young boy.

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Aged and dried, the lemon had an inscription on it that said, "Given By Mr P Lu Franchini Nov. 4, 1739, to Miss E Baxter." 

Etched into the firm rind of the fruit, this statement provided a window into its colourful history. 

After taking pictures of the cabinet up for sale, the auction house decided to auction off the lemon as well, maybe as a fun touch to the day's offerings.

Many were surprised that what could have been regarded as a simple curiosity caused a bidding frenzy. This centuries-old lemon was sold for an astounding $1,780, greatly exceeding the sale price of the tiny $40 cabinet.