285-year-old lemon sold for over Rs.1.4 lakh at an auction
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," goes a popular saying. But what if life gives you a 285-year-old lemon? Recently, a lemon from 1739, was discovered in an antique cabinet during a house clearance in the United Kingdom. Believed to be a romantic gift from colonial India, the lemon fetched £1,416 (Rs. 1.4 lakh) at an auction.
The lemon had an inscription on its peel
The desiccated fruit, found by a specialist at Brettells Auctioneers in Shropshire, had an inscription on its peel that read: "Given By Mr P Lu Franchini Nov 4 1739 to Miss E Baxter." According to The Sun, the auctioneer David Brettell hoped to "have a bit of fun and put it in the auction" with an estimated value of £40-£60. Surprisingly, the ancient citrus sold for a whopping £1,100, with additional fees bringing the total to £1,416.
Lemon believed to be a romantic gift from colonial India
The lemon was possibly brought to England from colonial India as a romantic gift, reported The Sun. Miss Baxter's motive for keeping or disliking the lemon remains unclear. The 19th-century chest was bbrought to Brettells Auctioneers during a house clearance; the family claimed the chest belonged to a deceased uncle. The lemon was found in the back of the drawer by the specialist while photographing the cabinet for the sale. However, the cabinet only fetched £32 (Rs. 3000 approx.)!
Unique item sparks interest among bidders
Brettell attributed the lemon's high price to its one-of-a-kind nature, stating, "You'll never see an object like this at an auction again." This unusual find has piqued the interest of collectors and enthusiasts, highlighting the hidden gems that can be uncovered during house clearances. Its unique history and origin have captured the imagination of many, proving that sometimes the most fascinating treasures can be found in the most unlikely places.
Similar discoveries in the past
In 2016, a massive 2,000-year-old lump of butter was discovered in an Irish bog close to Drakerath. It was the equivalent of 10 huge sugar sacks in weight. In the same year, an age old cheese was found deep under the sea near Sweden inside a jar. Divers made this discovery while looking into the ruins of the cruiser Kronan, which sank 348 years ago.
